XN000022-1973-03-14 — Page 15

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Wednesday, March 14, 1973

Most of the Estate units were designed for large families with

five to 12 members, and young married couples had to sacrifice their

privacy by squeezing themselves into the already crowded family unit

or pay impossible rent for a cubicle in another crowded tenement.

"Perhaps it is about time for us to re-consider our housing policy

to provide small units for young married couples and a home-ownership

scheme on a large scale,"

Referring to the present housing loan scheme, she said if the

rate of interest could be calculated at six or six-and-a-half per cent,

and the length of payment dates stretched to 20 or 25 years, it would

go a long way to beat the current rent crisis.

Medical Services

On medical services, Mrs. Li said the Financial Secretary's mention

of a future proposal to raise fees in Government hospitals would meet with

some objection in principle from the public.

"It may be reasonable and less objectionable or even desirable

if the fees are raised for privace rooms, special foods, or other specialised

charges only."

She felt that the number of beds for special groups like mentally

handicapped children and elderly infirm patients were grossly inadequate.

The new Siu Lam Hospital for only 200 severely retarded children still fell

short of the need for such facilities and services.

/On the

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