XN000022-1972-06-24 — Page 2

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Saturday, June 24, 1972

A Government spokesman said today the extension of eligibility

for Government low-cost housing now makes it possible to offer low-cost

housing to each eligible officer as he retires.

"However, I must make it clear that it will not always be possible

to offer accommodation in low-cost estates of choice.

Legal Action

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"If the officer does not accept an offer and he fails to vacate

his quarters as directed, legal action will be taken to ensure that such

quarters are made available to house serving officers for whom they are

intended."

The Government spokesman explained that junior officers now

living in departmental quarters, because of the nature of their jobs,

face certain difficulties when they retire.

"Unlike other Government servants on similar salaries, they are

not eligible, whilst in service, for Government low-cost housing under the

15 per cent quota, introduced in 1961.

"Nor are they eligible for co-operative schemes or the Government-

built local officers' housing schemes,

"On retirement, they are also not eligible for the 15 per cent

quota of Government low-cost housing which is at present confined to

serving officers.

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