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(e) that, with regard to medical and health
service, we should be in a position by 1st January 1977 to report measures to eliminate the need for camp beds in hospitals. (DMHS to provide IE with a note by November 1976)
The review concluded that Hong Kong's labour legislation and social security benefits were defective in comparison with Singapore and other Asian competitors such as Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It was agreed, therefore, that
Hong Kong would prepare a phased programme of labour legislation and increased social welfare benefits to bring Hong Kong within five years up to standards broadly equivalent to, if not identical with, Singapore.
A list of proposals and a timetable for the drafting and introduction of labour legislation is to be drawn up, and is to include the effect of these measures on Hong Kong's compliance with ILO conventions. These proposals should have maximum impact in 1976/77 and also in 1977/78. The programme should be ready for submission to HE for forwarding to FCO by the end of September. (Action: S for SS and C for L).
With regard to social welfare, it had been agreed that the present basis of social welfare cash payments should not be changed, though the definition of need, categories eligible for payments and the level of payments are open to review. Immediate action required in 1976/77 was to close the existing gap in the Public Assistance Scheme by making able bodies males under 55 eligible, using whatever safeguards are appropriate. This will require the sub- mission of proposals approved by the Governor to Executive Council by September. (Action : S for SS and DSW).
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By 1st January 1978, we should advise FCO of our plans for phased improvements in social welfare during the period 1st January 1978 to 1st January 1981. The first step should be to ensure that costed programme plans for services to handicapped youth and to the elderly are ready by mid 1977. Thus, the five year Social Welfare Plan should be rolled forward and redrafted to provide, between 1978-81, the phased improvements necessary. In considering these improvements, consideration should be given to :
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
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