Wednesday, October 16, 1974
31
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The Institute for Social Work Training has now completed
a full year of operation. Might I add that if anyone has doubts
about the ability of Hong Kong to produce young people of the right calibre to man the Social Services that are being planned,
let them visit the Institute. They will find it a stimulating
and encouraging experience.
Legislation to control and regulate the operation of
Child Care Centres has been prepared and will be introduced
into this Council shortly.
Community and Youth Officers have been appointed to
all districts in the urban areas, and work is well advanced to
establish the scheme in the New Territories.
18 months after its introduction the Disability and
Infirmity Allowance Scheme is providing regular allowances
to 50,000 elderly and severely disabled persons. The rate
of benefit under this scheme and the Public Assistance Scheme
are reviewed regularly in the light of the cost of living
and two increases have been made this year bringing the rates
up to 62% above the base-rate of April 1972.
Work has begun on the drafting of a programme plan
for Rehabilitation to co-ordinate and guide the efforts of
the Government Departments and many voluntary bodies which
are active in this complex field.
These are just a few examples of what is happening,
but Hon. Member's may be reassured to know that broadly
speaking we are on the course mapped out in the Social Welfare
Five Year Plan, and that we expect to continue so next year.
/Taken together