TNAG-0360-FCO40-396-Visit-of-HRH-Princess-Alexandra-and-the-Hon-Angus-Ogilvy-to--1972 — Page 140

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Social Services

3. Hong Kong's project for the housing of squatters and

refugees in large resettlement estates is probably the

greatest single rehousing operation that has taken place

in Asia since World War II. Just under 40% of a total

population of 4 million are accommodated in housing built

either directly by the Government or with the aid of

Government funds. But despite spectacular achievements in

this field, the Hong Kong Government still face the formi-

dable problems of satisfactorily rehousing the remaining

squatter population and of refurbishing many of the older

estates. They are currently reviewing their housing plans

for the next few years.

4. Free primary education in Government and Government-

aided schools (except English language schools) was intro-

duced on 1 September 1971 and a compulsory school attendance

scheme has also been introduced. New proposals for the

expansion of Government assisted post-primary places were

approved in May 1971 with the aim of progressively making

available, with Government assistance, at least three years

of post-primary education to all children in the 12-14 age

group, and to achieve, as a first stage, 50% of that goal

by 1976.

5.

Revised arrangements for public assistance (allowances

in cash in place of dry rations) were introduced at the

beginning of 1971. Further improvements were announced in

this year's Budget in particular a 60% rise in the scales

of assistance and higher allowances for rent. The Hong Kong

Government have recently prepared a comprehensive five-year

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/plan