E.R.
JA B Stewart Esq OBE
17 March 1977
a satisfactory arrangement for maintaining the real value of the social security benefits either during the period that they are building up or during the period of payment. Accordingly, I would expect that a more profitable approach will be to explore ways and means of extending the present non contributory non means- tested systems in Hong Kong, perhaps category by category, starting with those for whom there is most public sympathy like the chronic sick and widows with
But, clearly, in view of the points you put to me, it will be necessary to see whether the unemployed can be included in the priority categories. There are, of course, very respectable precedents for moving to a non contributory system of social security. For example, Denmark has moved in this direction and has abandoned the contributory principle, paying benefits to those who are residents of Denmark (with, I think, a residential qualification which is much tougher than that in Hong Kong). Without therefore wishing to pre-judge the eventual outcome of this assignment, you may think it advisable, if opportunity allows, for you to suggest to your Ministers that the likely outcome of the social security review is to go for a non contributory rather than a contributory system of social security because this is likely to be judged to be the fairest and most effective way of providing at an early date a reasonable system of social security suited to Hong Kong and acceptable in Hong Kong.
If there are any other points which you or Hurst would like me to bear in mind during my assignment in Hong Kong, I shall of course consider them very carefully.
Что
micrely
Strach Herren
TS HEPPELL
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