XN000022-1974-02-18 — Page 5

Monday, February 18, 1974

This was intended to ensure that those agencies which wore

participating directly in the 5-year Plan would not be hindered in their

operations.

"The finances of subvented welfare organizations are of immediate

concern to the Social Welfare Department since these organizations are,

by definition, providing services of clear use to the community and thus

are supported by public funds," Mr. Topley pointed out.

He said their allocations will not be reduced by the provision

of the ront subsidy which is an additional element extending the total

subvention amount.

However, since the increases were announced it appears that

there are some 87 other operations carried on in public housing estates

of a welfare, religious, medical or educational nature which will also

attract higher rents than before.

The organizations responsible for these operations had applied

to the former authorities for accommodation in public housing estates at

a nominal rent and, after enquiries to appropriate government departments,

these requests were granted.

"The information available to the Social Welfare Department and,

no doubt, to other relevant government departments, about these organizations

and their operations is limited, particularly in respect of their current

status," Mr. Topley said,

"Moreover, funds are available only in respect of welfare organizations

which are at present subvented. In view of the need to assess the current

status of all these organizations and their operations, the Housing Authority

has agreed to waive the higher rents on these premises until April 1, 1975. It is

hoped that this will provide adequate time to readive the current situation."

The decision .............