14
Wednesday, March 14, 1973
Most of the Estate units were designed for large families with
five to 12 members, and young married couples had to sacrifice their
privacy by squeezing themselves into the already crowded family unit
or pay impossible rent for a cubicle in another crowded tenement.
"Perhaps it is about time for us to re-consider our housing policy
to provide small units for young married couples and a home-ownership
scheme on a large scale,"
Referring to the present housing loan scheme, she said if the
rate of interest could be calculated at six or six-and-a-half per cent,
and the length of payment dates stretched to 20 or 25 years, it would
go a long way to beat the current rent crisis.
Medical Services
On medical services, Mrs. Li said the Financial Secretary's mention
of a future proposal to raise fees in Government hospitals would meet with
some objection in principle from the public.
"It may be reasonable and less objectionable or even desirable
if the fees are raised for privace rooms, special foods, or other specialised
charges only."
She felt that the number of beds for special groups like mentally
handicapped children and elderly infirm patients were grossly inadequate.
The new Siu Lam Hospital for only 200 severely retarded children still fell
short of the need for such facilities and services.
/On the
C