XN000022-1995-07-07 — Page 16

+

14

Question: (Inaudible)

CS: I wouldn't disagree with your observation that the general aim in enacting the legislation will be to ensure consistency. But on the other hand, laws do have to reflect changes and part of Hong Kong's success is indeed our ability to respond expeditiously and pragmatically to changes. So the fact that a piece of legislation has been enacted and existed for a period of time does not mean that that piece of legislation will stay immutable for ever more.

Now again, I am not able to, because I don't quite know which sections of the Immigration Ordinance you are referring to and I must confess I am not familiar with the detailed provisions, but again, if you wish to seek a clarification as to the apparent inconsistency of treatment, I am sure the Director of Immigration will be very happy to answer any questions you may have.

Question: (Inaudible)

CS: Well, as you know, we have a very comprehensive, and indeed we have improved our social security safety net. Those people who are old or indeed who are unable to earn sufficient to maintain themselves and their family, or who are disadvantaged, sick, disabled, etc, they can claim social security payments.

Question: (Inaudible)

CS: Well actually, no. For an average elderly person, if he met all the requirements, he could claim much more than just $2,000. It depends on circumstances. You are quite right in saying there is a basic rate but on top of that we do give additional allowances to meet individual needs because some elderly people may have more needs than others and it is one area that we pay particular attention to. And it is one area where we have, particularly in recent years, spent the greater part of the public expenditure, that is in improving the lot of the elderly population because the community as a whole feels that this is one area that deserves greater support. And I can assure you that this is an area that we will continue to pay very close attention to.

But we feel that the burden of looking after elderly people is a burden that should be shared by the community and by the Government as a whole because if the entire burden was to fall simply just on the Government, then I'm afraid that increasingly, taxpayers will have to bear the burden. But we feel that in this area, quite clearly employers and employees can also play their part and that is why we have designed the Mandatory Provident Fund Scherne.