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Social Welfare
14.
I turn now to social welfare matters. The needs
of the elderly figured prominently in the speeches of a
number of Members and I agree that this is an area of
major importance in the social welfare field. We have of
course recently made a number of major improvements to
social security benefits for the elderly which you, Sir,
announced at the beginning of this session. This package
of improvements included increasing the rates of Old Age
Allowance for those over 70 as from 1 April 1988 and
extending the allowance on a phased basis to the 65-69 age
group; this will begin this September.
9/se
85.
Mrs. Pauline Ng asked for the speedy provision
of more care-and-attention homes for the elderly. This
need is fully recognised and we are making every effort to
meet the projected demand. In addition to purpose built
homes, homes for the aged with care-and-attention places
will also be provided in new public housing estates.
7/sc.
76.
Dr. Daniel Tse referred not only to the need
for more services for the elderly, but also to the general
attitude of society towards the aged. Both Government and
the voluntary agencies have put considerable effort into
programmes such as community care and family life
education which are intended to promote respect for