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Mr. Moreton
Parliamentary Office
The attached P.Q. by Mr. John Rankin, M.P. (Glasgow, Govan) is for oral reply on Monday, 24 March. Mr. Rankin's interest in Hong Kong is of long-standing and he has visited the Colony.
2. Both the Governor and the Financial Secretary referred in their budget speeches to the Legislative Council on 26 February, to the formulation of "an organised and wholly government sponsored system of public assistance". The present system of public assistance, as administered by the Social Welfare Department in conjunction with voluntary welfare organisations, aims at alleviating distress and relieving the hardship of individuals and families during the time they need to re-establish their financial independence. Such assistance is given in the form of dry rations and cooked meals, although in certain cases small cash grants are given to meet immediate needs.
Flag A (copy attached).
3. The draft Answer is based on Hong Kong telegram No.217
Beyond the mention contained in the two speeches and in this telegram, this office has no further knowledge of these proposals and no further details can be provided at this stage.
18 March, 1969
W... Carts
W. S. Carter)
Hong Kong Department
Volnord
19/3.
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