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[The Marquess of Lothian.] think, was whether in any proposed con- stitutional reforms any element of a more democratic system will be introduced. I am afraid that at the moment I cannot hold out much prospect of any differences in the central Government of Hong Kong taking place. I was referring to the Urban Council. Here, of course, it is hoped that the powers and authority of this Council, particularly in financial matters, will be increased. I am afraid I cannot remember now the noble Lord's second supplementary question.
LORD SORENSEN: My Lords, it was with regard to increasing housing accom- modation, rather than merely keeping pace with the increased population.
THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN: My Lords, I entirely agree that this is the aim of the Hong Kong Government. They are hoping that the increase in accommodation will gradually allow a decrease in the number of squatters. This has happened over the past few years- not, I am afraid, very impressively, but at any rate the number of so-called squatters is declining. This I think the noble Lord realises.
LORD SEGAL: My Lords, is the noble Marquess aware that the Government- sponsored Hong Kong Housing Authority now has five separate housing projects under development-one in Kwun Tong, one in Ho Man Tin and no less than three in Kwat Chung? Since over one-third of the total population of Hong Kong have been housed through Government enterprise, is not this an example that might well be followed by Her Majesty's Government here at home?
THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN: My Lords, I am well aware of the situa- tion described by the noble Lord in Hong Kong.
LORD BROCKWAY: My Lords, can the noble Marquess say (I appreciate that this is not mentioned in the Question but it is very relevant to it), what advance has been made in the free education of the children of the majority Chinese population in Hong Kong?
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THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN: My Lords, I am afraid that that is a different question, of which I should require notice.
EDUCATION OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
3.1 p.m.
LORD SEGAL: My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
[The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they propose to adhere to April 1, 1971, as the date for the transfer of responsibility for the edu cation and training of mentally- handicapped children to the Depart- ment of Education and Science.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER- SECRETARY OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE (LORD BELSTEAD): My Lords, I hope next week to have the pleasure of introducing to your Lordships' House the Education (Handicapped Children) Bill which pro- vides for this transfer. If it is approved by Parliament my right honourable friend intends, as was announced in another place on Monday night, to adhere to April 1, 1971, as the appointed day for the transfer.
LORD SEGAL: My Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for that reply,' which will be warmly welcomed by every- one concerned with the welfare of mentally handicapped children? May I ask the noble Lord to see that the Gov- ernment continue the good work in this field already carried out by the previous Administration? May I also ask him to re-read the excellent speech of his noble friend Lord Aberdare during the debate which took place in this House on April 14, and to see that the many criticisms that were levelled at that time will be fully met by Her Majesty's Gov- ernment with the least possible delay? LORD BELSTEAD: My Lords, I will certainly comply with both the noble Lord's suggestions.
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