XN000022-1978-03-30 — Page 21

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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978

IN THE CASE OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS, MR. YEUNG PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDE THE FULL COST OF CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. AND THAT THE IR SUES IDY FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BE ENLARGED TO INCLUDE EXTRA STAFF AND MATERIAL TO CATER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS.

AS REGARDS RECREATION, MR. YEUNG SAID THERE IS STILL A +SERIOUS DEFICIENCY+ OF PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, SPORTS FIELDS AND OTHER OPEN RECREATIONAL SPACES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE MARKET TOWNS AND THE RURAL TOWNSHIPS AND IN THE VILLAGES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE PROPERTY TAX AND RATES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO MANY AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONS IDER ALLOCATING A PORTION OF THE RATES FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, AS IN THE CASE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, TO EMBARK ON THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES FOR THE BUILDING OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS AUDITORIA AND LIBRARIES.

WITH THE FORMATION OF THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS TO COVER ALL PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. YEUNG SAID, A GREATER RANGE OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES MAY NOW BE QUICKLY IMPLEMENTED WITH SPECIALLY ALLOCATED GOVERNMENT FUNDS.

MR. YEUNG WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN TO SET UP MORE COUNTRY PARKS, BUT HE FELT THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MANAGE, PATROL AND MAINTAIN THESE GREEN BELTS SHOULD NOT FALL SOLELY ON THE STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

HE SUGGESTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE EXISTING YOUTH AGENCIES BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH PRACTICAL PROJECTS BY SERVING AS + AUTONOMOUS GROUPS+ IN A CORPS OF VOLUNTARY FOREST RANGERS AND PARK WARDENS.

MR. YEUNG SAID THE PLAN WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXTEND GREATER FACILITIES TO THESE AGENCIES, PROVIDING THEM WITH FUNDS AND TRANSPORT.

ON CRIME, HE SAID THE BEAT RADIO SYSTEM OF THE POLICE SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WHILE THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND THE VILLAGE GUARDS SYSTEM SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED. HELICOPTERS SHOULD ALSO BE USED IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.

MR. YEUNG ALSO SUGGESTED A TERRITORY-WIDE HEALTH CARE SCHEME TO BE SET UP WITH VOLUNTARY HEALTH FUNDS.

A PARTICIPANT IN THE SCHEME WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY A PRESCRIBED FEE ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND AFTER A QUALIFYING PERIOD WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR HEALTH DENEFITS.

WHEN HE ATTENDS A DOCTOR OR ENTERS A HOSPITAL, HE CAN OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE TO QUALIFY FOR A REFUND OF THE EXPENSE INCURRED, UP TO THE MAXIMUM OF THE COMMON CHARGE FOR THE PARTICULAR MEDICAL EXAMINATION FIXED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

'TER PATIENT