22
-
We now have to consider action on (21) and (22),
M
(a) Proposal for the establishment of a separate Social Welfare Department.
(21) refers to this point which was made in the third paragraph of (16). There seems to be a difference of opinion
as to whether or not the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs handles political work. Mr. McDouall's view is that it does, and in the Introduction to the SCA's Annual Reportat(2) on 54451/10/50 he includes advice on "Chinese Opinion" among the SCA's functions. On the other hand (21) quotes that Report indicating that politics are not within the SCA's functions and apart from the reference in the Introduction, the Report bears this
out see table of Contents; see also A of (22).
as
In view of all this it would not be easy, even if it were desirable, to take up the issue of separation again on the question of Social Welfare being mixed up with political work. The Committee's conclusion at (1) of (22) is really a repetition of what was said to the Governor in (16) with the additional
inference influence in the preceding discussion that, quite apart from the
political question, there was no danger of the Social Welfare Office becoming submerged by the SCA while Mr. McDouall was there. It is for consideration therefore whether we should (à) again tell the Governor that we stick to the principle that the SWO should eventually be separated but recognise that in the present circumstances such a safeguard of the SWO's status is not necessary, or (b) let the matter drop for the time being. On balance I favour (a) because the absence of any reply to (21) might lead the Governor to feel that he had demolished the whole of our argument by discrediting the idea that the SCA's functions included political work.
Training for Social Welfare work.
The Reports Sub-Committee asked for details of social welfare training below university level and the Governor in (21) refestus to (26) on 12549/S/51 which crossed (16) hereon. The details given indicate that a considerable amount of training on an in-service basis is provided. In view of this, and the fact that a report is being compiled on in-service training throughout the colonial territories, ? no further action is required as far as Hong Kong in particular is concerned.
(c) Hong Kong Social Welfare Advisory Committee.
I believe it was the intention of the C.S.W.A.C. that the views at B of (22) should be conveyed to the Governor to strengthen Mr. McDouall's hand when he submitted his proposals for re-organisation of the Advisory Committee.
? So proceed.
(A) Co-ordination between voluntary social welfare organisations.
Two questions have been under consideration under this
head.
(a) The first was whether a survey of voluntary organisa- tions had been sufficiently comprehensive. Doubts about the survey were conveyed to the Governor in the fourth paragraph of (6), he made no comments in (21), and CSWAC did not discuss the point on 1st October as they were expected to do. No further action appears necessary.
(b) The second question was how co-ordination between the numerous voluntary organisations could best be secured.
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/CSWAC