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Wednesday, November 14, 1973
Mr. Li welcomed the setting up of a Council for Recreation and
Sport under the Secretary for Home Affairs to co-ordinate the organisation
of much-needed facilities for recreation, leisure and sport for the
community. He felt that the Council should consider developing the island
of Hay Ling Chau into a youth centre, training centre or holiday centre.
Referring to the Government's participation in the work of family
planning, he strongly urged the formulation of a long-advocated Government
population policy to implement a family planning programme.
It was essential he said, that such a programme should co-ordinate
all Government departments to embrace all phases of activities concerned
with population growth.
Mr. Li propose that a Working Committee be formed to study the
whole question of population and the most appropriate means of encouraging
the reduction of future birth rates.
"I am sure that we all realise the implications of this population
problem in terms of housing, health, education, social welfare and environment
are serious indeed, and would have a basic effect on all of Government's
long term plans in these areas, " he said.
"The United Nations Organisation has designated 1974 as World
Population Year in order to focus the attention of the world on this grave
situation. Would it not be appropriate to observe that year by some positive
action in Hong Kong?" he asked.
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