Reports on Old Age Allowance unfounded
A spokesman for the Health and Welfare Branch said today (Tuesday) that recent reports suggesting the Governor might announce in his Policy Address plans to cut the Old Age Allowance were "wholly without foundation".
"In view of the possible confusion caused by such reports, there was a need to clarify the situation," he said.
He confirmed that a review of both the disability and old age allowances was indeed under way and that this was the last part of a comprehensive review of all social security arrangements which had started following the completion of the review of CSSA in March.
He explained that the objective of the review was not to cut costs but rather to ensure that vulnerable elderly and people with a disability would receive financial support in the best possible way.
"No recommendations have yet been made and it would be premature to speculate what they might eventually be," the spokesman stressed, adding that no changes would be introduced without prior consultation.
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Port clearance for Diaoyu Islands-bound vessel required
In response to media enquiries concerning press reports that a vessel has been hired to take about 50 people from Hong Kong to mount a demonstration at the Diaoyu Islands, a Marine Department spokesman said today (Tuesday) that the department's prime concern in this case is the safety of the people at seas.
He said the vessel, like any vessels leaving Hong Kong waters, had to apply for port clearance from the department's Port Formalities Office.
"Port clearance will be issued when we are satisfied that the vessel has compiled with the requirements of the International Safety Regulations at Seas, including the requirement of having sufficient life saving apparatus on board the vessel," the spokesman said.
The organisers of the voyage were today advised of these requirements, the spokesman added.
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