XN000022-1972-09-05 — Page 4

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Tuesday, September 5, 1972

PAYMENTS TO DISASTER VICTIMS CONTINUE

Payments from the Community Relief Trust Fund to victims of the

June rainstorm disasters are continuing, and outstanding claims are still

being met.

At the end of August, 4,623 families, or 21,974 individuals, had

been registered with the Social Welfare Department as victims of the rainstorm.

The figures showed substantial increases compared with those

at the end of July, which then stood at 3,894 families, or 19,050 individuals.

The higher figures are the result of late registration.

Payments in such cases are not always immediate, because investigations

are necessary, but when these are satisfactorily concluded, claimants

receive all the cash assistance to which they are entitled as registered

victims of the June rainstorms.

Mr. Tsau Tsor-yan, Senior Principal Social Welfare Officer and

head of the Public Assistance Division, says it will take some time before

registration lists are closed because it is present policy to accept all

claims, subject to investigation.

In a reference to payments for victims of the Kotewall Road disaster,

he says they have equal right to assistance from the Community Relief

Trust Fund. There is no discrimination against them simply because the

Mid-levels represent a more prosperous area then, for example, Sau Mau Ping.

/There