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services. Short of full financial backing and concrete plans of action, it will be many years before Hong Kong's social rehabilitation programmes can successfully reintegrate mental
patients into the community where they can live as normal
human beings.
Siri
In closing, I must acknowledge the open attitude with which the Administration accepts suggestions and comments made
by members of the public, and the deference it has shown
Registative Council towards recommendations made by the eco Ad Hoc group to study
the Bill. This consultation exercise has set an excellent
example of an open government for Hong Kong. However, it has been said that the Administration is often slow in acting on
promises made for policy changes. Let's hope that for once, the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill will be spared this agony of moving at a snail's pace in our attempt to improve the care for the mentally ill.
Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion.
0704S