XN000022-1973-11-14 — Page 10

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Wednesday, November 14, 1973

Mr. Li welcomed the setting up of a Council for Recreation and

Sport under the Secretary for Home Affairs to co-ordinate the organisation

of much-needed facilities for recreation, leisure and sport for the

community. He felt that the Council should consider developing the island

of Hay Ling Chau into a youth centre, training centre or holiday centre.

Referring to the Government's participation in the work of family

planning, he strongly urged the formulation of a long-advocated Government

population policy to implement a family planning programme.

It was essential he said, that such a programme should co-ordinate

all Government departments to embrace all phases of activities concerned

with population growth.

Mr. Li propose that a Working Committee be formed to study the

whole question of population and the most appropriate means of encouraging

the reduction of future birth rates.

"I am sure that we all realise the implications of this population

problem in terms of housing, health, education, social welfare and environment

are serious indeed, and would have a basic effect on all of Government's

long term plans in these areas, " he said.

"The United Nations Organisation has designated 1974 as World

Population Year in order to focus the attention of the world on this grave

situation. Would it not be appropriate to observe that year by some positive

action in Hong Kong?" he asked.

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