XN000022-1972-03-29 — Page 57

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Wednesday, March 29, 1972

DEVELOPMENT OF POLYTECHNIC TO PROCEED AT "CRISP" RATE

Considerable Advances Made In Field Of Public Assistance

The Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Sir Hugh Norman-Walker, said today

an item to provide an additional 25 lecture rooms as an extension to the

existing Technical College had already been included in the Public Works Programme.

In addition, the expansion and reconstitution of the University Grants

Committee into a Universities and Polytechnic Grants Committee was proposed, he

added.

Speaking at the resumed Budget debate in the Legislative Council, the

Colonial Secretary said that his task was to "glean behind his official colleagues"

without encroaching on the fields yet to be harvested by the Financial Secretary.

Continuing on the Polytechnic, he said: "Much remains to be done but

I am hopeful that under the able leadership of My Honourable Friend, Dr. S.Y.

Chung progress from now on will be at a crisp rate."

On the Public Assistance Scheme, he said he welcomed the interest in a

scheme designed to help the least fortunate members of the community.

However, he had found it a little difficult to reconcile what had been

said with the very considerable advances made in this field.

He pointed out that in December 1970, a single old person had been

getting $33 a month but as from April 1 this year, that person would be getting

$110 a month and a further $25 for rent as well as additions for special needs

where appropriate.

/A family