XN000022-1995-06-21 — Page 6

Question: Governor, do you have any comment on the JLG meeting which is coming

up...

Governor: I always hope for improved progress in JLG meetings. We've made reasonable progress in some areas like the transfer of defence lands, like the localisation of laws. But there is still a lot more to do in other areas, for example, the adaptation of laws and issues like rights of abode and so on. So I hope that the July meeting of the JLG will see more progress than the last couple of meetings.

Question: Do you think there is anything wrong with the housing policy for the elderly in view of the homicide case yesterday?

Question: Do you think the recent policy has to be reviewed?

Govenor: No, I don't think that there is anything wrong with the policy. Ever since we reviewed policy for housing for the elderly in 1987, we've been trying to develop our sheltered housing here in Hong Kong, and if anything, if you compare the situation here with the situation in similar communities, we don't have enough sheltered housing and I am keen to see us provide more. But since 1987, we've provided I think about 2,400 units of sheltered accommodation similar to the one where the tragedy occurred yesterday and there haven't been any difficulties. The Housing Authority does try in all its sheltered accommodation to provide a warden service for 24 hours a day and to provide an emergency alarm system. So it recognises the potential for problems. But I think we shouldn't allow ourselves to be deflected by one tragedy from continuing with a sensible policy of accommodating those elderly people who are able to go on living a more or less independent life. Obviously, my condolences go out to the friends and relatives of those who died in yesterday's tragedy.

Question: So much have been done, but why do you think still tragedy happens?

Governor: I don't know. I don't know the details of that case.

Question: As where estates have that warden and emergency service. So do

service. So do you think the Government need to speed up the policy, speed up the programme?

Governor: We need more sheltered housing in Hong Kong. I've got no doubt about that at all. Obviously if there are lessons to be learnt from the tragedy that took place yesterday, we will be keen to learn them.

Question: Why is the Government not been able to repatriate 1,800 boat people as in the agreement in Geneva. Why is the Government not possible to do that?