CO129-629-8 Social policy 1-12-1949 - 31-12-1951 — Page 71

6. I very much regret that it has still not been possible to prepare a full commentary on the report by Mr. Chinn which was forwarded under cover of Mr. Creech Jones' despatch No. 56 of 4th March, 1949. I · am, however, glad to be able to inform you that certain of Mr. Chinn's recommendations have in fact already been partly or wholly implemented, and enclose a copy of Mr. Chinn's own summary of his principal recommendations, together with notes on the action already taken here. The question of the establishment of an independent Social Welfare Office has been given careful consideration. Prima facie this would appear to be the right thing to do as seeming to give more prestige to the Social Welfare Office, but, from the realistic and practical angle, I am of the opinion that such a step would be a mistake, and, at the present juncture, at any rate, would not only not advance the cause of social welfare in the Colony, but would actually retard it.‘' Before 1947 the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs did most of the official social welfare work in the Colony, and there is nothing fundamentally different between the work now done or contemplated by the Social Welfare Office and the work formerly done in this field by the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. The Social Welfare Officer is at present gazetted as an Assistant Secretary for Chinese Affairs; he is thereby able to perform many of the statutory functions of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs without amending numerous Ordinances, and is able to make use of the District Watch Force (which is under the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs) for carrying out enquiries or entering premises. Also, although financially autonomous and with his own distinctive title, the Social Welfare Officer is at present able to share the prestige accorded to the Secretary for Chinsese Affairs by the Chinese community.

I can perceive no way in which the Social Welfare Office is hampered by its close association with the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs and I consider it preferable they should continue to work in the closest possible liaison. Provision for a Cadet Officer Class II as a Deputy Social Welfare Officer has already been made from the time that the substantive Social Welfare Officer returns to his post, at the end of November, 1950, by the retention of the present acting Social Welfare Officer until he goes on leave in April 1951. Meanwhile I am also considering the possibility of finding a suitable replacement for him. Certain increases in the specialised staff of the Social Welfare Office have already been made this year, and every endeavour will be made to ensure that as far as it may be financially possible any further essential increases will be provided for in 1951/52.

3 Enclosures.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

(sgd) A. Grantham.

GOVERNOR

D: 1c.

2.

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