XN000022-1995-04-26 — Page 43

(a)

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when it will announce the application procedures concerning the subsidy scheme so that private RCH operators in need of financial assistance can submit applications as soon as possible;

of the estimated number of private RCHs which will apply for subsidy;

(b)

(c)

of the estimated average amount of subsidy to be granted in respect of each application;

(d)

(e)

what monitoring measures it will adopt to ensure that the funds granted are properly used by subsidized private RCHs; and

whether, in regard to those private RCHS whose applications for subsidy have been rejected, consideration will be given to providing other means which will help them to meet the requirements of the Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Ordinance?

Reply:

The reply is as follows:

(a)

We aim to announce the application procedures for the Financial Assistance Scheme before the end of May 1995. Operators of private homes and self-financing non-profit-making homes for the elderly will then be invited to submit applications accordingly.

(b) & (c) Existing private homes vary enormously in terms of their financial condition and the scale of improvement or alteration works which they may need in order to comply with the new statutory requirements. It is, therefore, difficult to estimate the number of private Residential Care Homes (RCHs) which will apply for the subsidy and the amount of subsidy which will be appropriate in each

case.