XN000022-1971-10-26 — Page 12

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Tuesday, October 26, 1971

Replying to another criticism that the eligibility criteria was

"too low, he said the Scheme was constantly under review. It had always

been intended that the Scheme should be revised from time to time, taking

into account variables such as the cost of living and the value of money.

He hoped that an "appropriate revision" of both criteria and

procedure could be implemented soon on the basis of proposals that had

already been made.

Mr. Lu referred to the Scheme as an exercise in "human dignity,"

By making cash available to the qualifying needy under conditions that

neither smacked of charity nor the dispensation of alms, the Scheme

contributed to positive social welfare.

The recipients were not humbled by acceptance of the grant.

The cash was intended to help tide them over a difficult time and to

enable them to stand on their own feet again,

Note to Editors:

Copies in Chinese and English of the full text of Mr. Lu's speech are distributed separately in the Press boxes, Government Information Services, this evening.

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