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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
(b) If the figure is not known, will the Commissioner for Resettlement kindly obtain the information from the Commissioner of Census at an early date?
(c) How many children below the age of 6 attend nursery schools or creches? Again, is this figure available from the Census?
MR. HENRY H. L. HU, CHAIRMAN OF THE RESETTLEMENT MANAGEMENT SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows:-
The Resettlement Department has no up-to-date statistics showing the resettlement population in age groups, and I am unable to say how many children in resettlement estates are below the age of 6. However, I understand that the Commissioner of Census will be able to supply this information later this year.
In March there were 24 non-profit making day nurseries with 3,227 places, and two non-profit making creches with 120 places, in resettlement estates. Almost all of these places were filled. There are of course other nursery schools close by some estates. I understand that the Census will eventually provide information on the number of children in resettlement estates attending schools at different levels.
MRS. SYMONS:- Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Mr. Hu for his answer. I would like more information. I don't want to dig it out from the Census figures so that when the information is available I would like to know how many children in resettlement estates are under the age of 6. I will wait for this specifically rather than wait for the general report from the Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:- I shall relay the message to my successor.
MRS. SYMONS:- Thank you.
MR. BERNACCHI:- Can the Chairman of the Resettlement Management Select Committee say what are the charges of these non-profit-making day nurseries?
CHAIRMAN:- I don't think Mr. Hu can answer that but it is out of order really.
MR. HU:- I need notice of that question, I cannot answer it.
MR. BERNACCHI:- Perhaps the Commissioner can answer it?
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:- Mr. Chairman, I need notice of that question.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
(19) MR. R. H. LOBO asked the following question:
The vacant piece of land at Stubbs Road next to the old Victoria Heights has been left idle for quite some time and it is now full of long grass. Because of the large number of tourist buses which stop opposite to it and since the land in question is becoming a dog garden, among other things, will the Chairman please inform me when can we expect some improvement in that land?
MR. A. de O. SALES, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows:-
Members have enquired about this site on a number of occasions since its reservation was provisionally approved in 1965. An item was created in the Urban Amenities Block Vote Programme for development of the area as a rest garden and children's playground, and it was included in the proposals for developments in Amenity Planning Zone No. 2 in 1969. However, up to now no decision has been made by Government on the allocation of the site and the Council cannot, therefore, proceed with its plans, much to the Council's regret.
(20) MR. R. H. LOBO asked the following question:-
In view of the fact that the various improvements made to the more recent resettlement flats have brought them more in line with flats under the management of the Housing Authority and the current training programme being given to members of the Resettlement Department is based on management of Housing Authority type property, will the Chairman please inform me if consideration has been given to changing the conditions of tenancy of the resettlement tenants to bring them also in line with those of Housing Authority, beginning with the newest estates now ready or almost ready for occupation and gradually changing all tenancies to Housing Authority type agreement?
MR. HENRY H. L. HU, CHAIRMAN OF THE RESETTLEMENT MANAGEMENT SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows:- Mr. Chairman, Mr. Lobo has raised a very interesting question.
The Housing Authority type of tenancy agreement is a legal agreement between two parties, the Commissioner for Housing and the tenant. It is based on contract law and is not prescribed by ordinance.
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