TNAG-0267-FCO40-303-Activities-of-Hong-Kong-Civic-Association-1970 — Page 28

3.

Social Welfare

- 3 -

Although the Hongkong Government had previously stated that the

new public Assistance Scheme was to be in operation at the end of 1969,

it now seems that the Scheme may be delayed until early 1971. This delay

in the introduction of the Scheme is most regrettable, and a specific

target date should be set to introduce the Scheme before the end of the

year.

4.

Public Transport

Already it

The public transport system is in a serious state.

cannot cope with the needs of the Hongkong travelling public, especially

low-income residents living in faraway resettlement estates who can ill

afford too much transport costs in going to work or for their children

to go to school.

Admittedly, the present Commissioner for Transport is making an

effort to overcome many of the problems which stem from the Government's

previous inadequate planning policy. However, still greater effort and

commitment is required in the planning and construction of a mass transit

system without unnecessary delay. It is vital to Hongkong's economy

that the scheme be built within the next 5 to 7 years, failing which the

public transport system will become extremely chaotic.

5.

Common Market

It is highly probable that Britain will be moving into the Common

Market within the next 18 to 36 months. During the forthcoming nego-

tiations, it is hoped that the British negotiation team will not over-

look Hongkong's vital economic interests, but will do everything it can