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I must therefore strongly urge Government to look into the matter and reconsider if Educational Television is ever to be introduced it should be for all schools whether Government, aided or non-aided and receiver sets should be provided for free-of-charge to all schools, so that all school children would receive the same modern education without discrimination.
Juvenile Violence
There is no doubt that all peace-loving citizens regard the prevalence and indeed, the recent increase of youthful criminal violence with dismay. Almost daily there are gang fights resulting in fatalities. Many suggestions have been put forward, but to little avail; and despite increased police attention to this social evil, one need only read the newspapers to be aware of its extent. "Stop-and-search" operations by the Police have indeed had their effect—but it can only be temporary as they have other duties to perform.
It has also been suggested that objectionable films on televisions and in cinemas tend to corrupt the minds of our young people, leading them astray,
We all know the fundamental solution to the problem lies in the provision of more schools, more playgrounds and more healthy entertainment for the young. Much has already been achieved in that direction—but much remains to be done. However, I venture to suggest heavier punishment should be imposed by the Courts which, if I am right, appear not to treat violence in youth sufficiently seriously by the sort of punishment imposed.
His Excellency the Governor has said that social improvements must be coupled with control, and this certainly is a task of the Government.
Police Posts in Resettlement Estates
I would also draw your attention to the entire lack of Police Posts in our Resettlement Estates. Cases of robbery and violence occur almost daily in these congested areas, and it would seem reasonable to have Police Posts suitably located, to provide better protection for the peace-loving residents.
Social Welfare
In comparison with many other countries in South-East Asia, Hong Kong is both modern and prosperous. Yet, in the provision of social services our Government tends to lag behind. It is true that certain
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basic services are provided almost free, but it is equally true to say there is still an insufficiency of medical clinics and low-cost housing. Furthermore, there is no protection whatsoever for the old, the sick and the unemployed. In this Government seems to have achieved precious little, leaving the provision of these basic human rights to private welfare and charity organizations.
Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea, all considerably less affluent than Hong Kong, have government-provided facilities for all who require them.
Can Hong Kong—generally referred to as "The Pearl of the Orient"—afford not to?
Public Transportation
While the Transport Department struggles with improving transport, may I also expect a little thought to be given to covered bus, minibus and taxi stops?
The Trams have long had these covered stops, where passengers are sheltered in all weathers. This is a matter of public health as well and seems to me to warrant urgent attention.
I do not know whether the enfranchised transport companies are compelled by their agreements to provide covered stops, but if they are not then it seems high time something should be done in the interests of the public.
With these words, Mr. Chairman, I am glad to support the motion. (Applause).
CHAIRMAN:-Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the Unofficial Members for the effort they have put into their speeches for this debate. As in previous debates, some old matters have been raised, and some new. Where old matters have come up again, this obviously indicates Members' determination to do all they can to ensure that their proposals are pursued to a successful conclusion, or perhaps even to a bitter end. Many of the new matters deserve consideration, and my official colleagues and myself will now set about preparing our replies. To give us time to do this, it has already been agreed by the Standing Committee that this debate should be adjourned until the next regular meeting of this Council. This will be held on 1st December at 2.30 p.m., and I now suggest that the debate be adjourned accordingly.
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