XN000022-1995-05-17 — Page 74

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Whenever an irregularity is detected by estate staff or in the course of investigations, an oral warning is given to the tenant, followed by a warning letter from the Housing Manager. Depending on the seriousness of the breach, the tenant may be given one to three weeks to rectify the irregularity or may be asked to surrender the flat voluntarily. In serious cases, the tenancy can be terminated by serving a Notice-to-Quit. In such cases, tenants have the right to appeal to an Appeal Panel.

During the twelve months ending 30 April 1995, 420 improperly used flats were recovered for allocation to others in need. A further 85 flats are being recovered and 105 cases are being investigated.

End/Wednesday, May 17, 1995

Private residential care homes

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

As private residential care homes have now started applying for licences or certificates of exemption following the implementation of the Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Regulation in April this year, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the existing number of private residential care homes situated in commercial buildings which are likely to fail to meet the standard required for the issue of licences or certificates of exemption as stipulated in the Regulation due to violation of the Buildings Ordinance or codes of practice for fire prevention; and how it will handle such private residential care homes;