XN000022-1973-11-23 — Page 13

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Friday, November 23, 1973

KOWLOON BAY FIRE VICTIMS TO GET HIGHER GRANTS

The Housing Department is to increase the rebuilding allowance

for those made homeless in fires and natural disasters who are not

eligible for direct public housing, and the first people to benefit will be

the victims of last week's squatter fire at Kowloon Bay.

In the past re-accommodation grants of $1,000 had been paid

out of the Emergency Relief Fund (formerly the Community Relief Trust

Fund) to each family who were genuine disaster victims but were not

entitled to public housing. For families with more than five members

there was an extra $200 for each additional head. The new rate will be

a basic $1,250 · → an increase of 25 per cent with $250 for each additional

head over five.

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Most of the victims of last week's squatter fire will be allocated

sites in a new Licensed Area being made ready nearby. They will use the

grant to rebuild their homes.

Mr. K. Topley, Director of Social Welfare and chairman of the

Emergency Relief Fund Committee, said today(Friday) that the new rate

was based on a realistic re-assessment of current prices of building materials.

"It is only just," he said, "that victims should be able to meet the prices

of wood an tin shesting when they come to rebuild."

Housing Department staff will work through the weekend to process

claims for the Fund allowance.

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Payments will be made next Tuesday.

/Representatives......