XN000022-1995-04-26 — Page 50

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Reply:

When the Public Assistance Scheme, which is now known as the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme, was set up in 1971, the basic (now standard) rate for a single person was $70 per month. Since then, the standard rates have been adjusted in accordance with increases in the cost of living. Real increases have also been made to the rates. In 1994, the standard rate for a single person became $1,115 per month, representing an increase of about 15 times over the rate in 1971. The Consumer Price Index (A) (CPI(A)) rose from 21.0 in 1971 to 146.9 in 1994, representing an increase of about 6 times.

From 1985 to 1994, the standard rate for a single person increased from $510 per month to $1,115 per month, representing an increase of 119%. The CPI(A) rose from 72.8 in 1985 to 146.9 in 1994. representing an increase of 102%. This demonstrates a real increase in the CSSA payment rates over the last ten years.

End/Wednesday, April 26, 1995

Water supply to remote villages in NT

Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Works, Mr Keith Kwok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In his written reply to a question regarding complaints about the lack of water supply to squatter areas at the Council sitting on 30 June 1993, the Secretary for Works indicated that a Public Works Programme Item "Water Supply to Remote Villages in the New Territories" had been created. However, the residents of Lin Fa Shan in Tsuen Wan have recently complained that the area is still without water supply. In this connection, will the Government inform this council of :

(a)

(b)

the progress of the project for the provision of water supply to Lin Fa Shan:

the target date for completion of the project:

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