XN000022-1995-05-19 — Page 4

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So we're on course to reach our targets. What those targets mean is that people will, we hope, have to spend less time waiting for the services they require. Of course, hitting these targets isn't the end of the story because need changes the whole time and in our White Paper on Rehabilitation which will come out in the next few weeks we'll be setting out new targets for the community and we'll be taking accounts of those targets in our future public spending programme. There are still problems that we've got, still difficulties that we've got to overcome. But I hope that we can continue to work with these groups, with these organisations, with these parents in delivering the standard of care which the community should provide for them and their families. Any questions about mentally handicapped?

This is a very important issue. I'd like if there are any questions on the mentally handicapped to take those first.

Question: (inaudible)

Governor: I am glad that you've mentioned that. It is an important Bill. It's an indicator of the community's concern that those with disability should be given a full place in the sun. That they should be given all the opportunities that they deserve as members of our community to develop to their full potential. Of course, none of us actually believe that the law is the only answer. We all know there has to be wider public education. But I'm encouraged by the number of people that I meet as I go around the community who understand that in a civilised society like ours a fair deal for those with disabilities is a hallmark of our standards of civilisation.

Question: Do you think the bill will go through ....

Governor: I very much hope so. I think the Legislative Council has indicated in the past that it believed the Government and the legislature should act in this area and certainly I think that the legislation is extremely timely.

Question: A very short follow up on the White Paper, why it takes a few weeks more? As you answered in the Legco questions time, it is about time, that is at the end of May or at the latter part of May

Governor: If it isn't by the end of May, it will be in early June. But certainly we're talking about the next 2 or 3 weeks. Any questions on anything else?

Question: Concerning the Land Commission today, there is no agreement on the CT 9, 10 and 11. Is it that there is no co-operation between China and Hong Kong? What is your comment on that?