XN000022-1997-02-26 — Page 25

10 -

Fourthly, we seek to ensure that assistance is available expeditiously. A computerisation feasibility study is in progress on the upgrading of our existing computer system to expedite the processing of applications.

Over the past four years, the number of CSSA cases has increased by 100% from about 80 000 in December 1992 to 160 000 by December 1996. Over the past two years, the rate of increase in the caseload has been about 2% per month. This substantial increase is partly attributable to our efforts to publicize the Scheme. Currently over 223 000 persons or 3.5% of the population in Hong Kong are receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance.

In response to public concern that there might still be substantial numbers of low income individuals and families who are eligible for CSSA but do not apply for it, we are considering commissioning research with a view to finding out the socio- economic characteristics of these people and their reasons for not applying for CSSA so that we could better tailor our efforts to bring those genuinely in need into the CSSA safety net.

End

Pilot scheme for entry of PRC professionals

Following is a question by the Hon Cheng Yiu-tong and a reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In view of the fact that the pilot scheme for the importation of 1,000 PRC professionals has been implemented for some time, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

of the number of applications for importing PRC professionals which have been approved by the Immigration Department to date;

of the number of PRC professionals already admitted into Hong Kong for employment under the above scheme;