-3-
91
Report on Hong Kong and the Government were thinking of applying for
a grant for a team of experts to go out to Hong Kong to work out
details of the plan. The plan was of a general nature and he felt
that it would be possible to go ahead with the use of Colonial Development
and Welfare money to construct workers' houses within the general
framework of the plan and that this need not be delayed until the details
of the plan had been worked out. Sir C. Jeffries mentioned that there
had been interesting developments in building prefabricated houses in
Hong Kong.
The Secretary of State enquired about the Health Services.
Sir A. Grantham replied that the number of doctors was adequate. Many
Chinese refugees doctors had come to Hong Kong but as they were not in
possession of British degrees they could not set up practice there but
that they could and were being used by Government.
was however not adequate.
Hospital accommodation
The Secretary of State raised the question of unemployment.
Sir A. Grantham thought that this was not such an important problem in
Hong Kong because if there were any slump or work was difficult to obtain
the workers were inclined to return to their villages in China.
Sir C. Jeffries raised the question of juvenile delinquents but it was
agreed that this could be left for further discussion with the
Secretary of State next Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Sidebotham said that
the question of increasing the Social Welfare staff would be taken up
with the Governor in the proposed despatch. He pointed out that the
appointment of a woman Welfare Officer had been approved and this would
be filled by the promotion of a lady who had recently undergone a course
in the United Kingdom and was at present serving in Hong Kong in another
more junior appointment.
(Sgd.) H. P. HALL.
30/6/50.