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Thursday, November 2, 1972
REALISTIC APPROACH TO SOCIAL WELFARE
The proposals contained in the white paper on social welfare should
not be "watered down" in any way as it would be a great disservice to Hong Kong.
Speaking in the Legislative Council on a motion of thanks for the
Governor's address at the opening session, the Honourable R.H. Lobo, said
the proposals were put forward as a complete programme and any arbitrary cut
would certainly reduce their total impact and "might well undermine them
altogether."
"They will not transform social welfare in Hong Kong overnight. Nor
do they constitute all that those concerned with social welfare would like to
Bee done. But they do represent, in my view, a realistic minimum in terms of
what can be done with the available staff and resources," he added.
Mr. Lobo said it was right that the effort should be concentrated on
helping those least able to help themselves, and to improve community and social
facilities through the extension of community centres and through the appointment
of community and youth officers.
He said there was a need for such officers to work in each district
to provide channels of advice, information and practical help at the "grass-roots"
level which, at the moment, is unfortunately not being touched by the government.
The officers should be leaders who can encourage participation and
involvement in district activities to create a sense of belonging. But, he
warned, "it would be a great pity if they were to be regarded as 'little officials".
/Mr. Lobo
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