(d)
(e)
- 31.
The Social Welfare Department is devising application, vetting and payment procedures for the Financial Assistance Scheme in order to ensure that the funds granted are properly used. RCHs will be required to meet certain eligibility criteria when they make their applications. While all applications will have to be based on estimates made by professional consultants or qualified contractors, the scope of work and project costs will need to be vetted and approved by the Social Welfare Department on the advice of a professional works team established especially for that purpose in the Department. This team will monitor the progress of each successful application and the payment of grants will be made only on a reimbursement basis against certified receipts.
The most likely reason for the rejection of an application made by an RCH would be that the RCH concerned had locational or structural problems which could not be rectified even through major improvement works. In such a case, the operator would be advised to seek alternative premises to continue the operation of the RCH. In the event that a home may need to be closed for whatever reason, the Social Welfare Department will assist operators to find alternative places for any elderly persons affected.
End/Wednesday, April 26, 1995
Measures to ensure navigation safety
The following is a question by the Hon Miriam Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Despite steps taken by the Marine Department to ensure navigation safety in the territory's waters, two serious collisions involving passenger catamarans have occurred in the territory's waters within a period of four months. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council whether: