11
19.
Sir, the proposed improvements to the Public
Assistance Scheme which were outlined in your address at
the opening of the session were generally welcomed by
Members. Dr. Ho Kam-fai has however suggested that a Scap. children's supplement of $280 per month should be
introduced to help single parent families. We have
considered the possibility of such an allowance, but concluded that the most appropriate way of helping poor
families, particularly those with a large number of
children, would be to increase the basic rates for family
members and to introduce a meal allowance for children
attending full day school. In addition, there is a fee
assistance scheme for child care centres, and children
from single-parent families are given priority for entry
to these centres.
20.
* Both of which proposals were included in the recently introduced package.
The proposed improvements to the Old Age Allowance however
received a mixed reception. While the increased rates of
Old Age Allowance and the extension of the allowance to
the 65-69 age group have been generally welcomed, many
Members have reacted strongly against the proposed income
declaration, especially for those over 70.
21.
We have therefore reconsidered the proposals in the light of Members' comments and the views expressed by
the Social Welfare Advisory Committee, which was consulted
last week. As Members are aware the original proposal was
sk that present recipients of the Old Age Allowance would be