TNAG-0788-FCO40-992-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-contribut-1978 — Page 230

Consultation and Public Reactions

12

The proposals outlined above have been considered carefully in the light of public response to the Green Paper. The Home Affairs Department is carrying out a comprehensive survey of public opinion on the Green Paper as a whole, the results of which will not be available until mid-April. However an interim assessment indicates that there is broad acceptance of the proposals. Comments from the voluntary sector were also discussed and the views of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee were sought. The package as a whole is expected to be welcomed, although an unfavourable comparison may be drawn between the originally proposed long term supplement at a monthly rate of $200 and the revised proposal of $500 on an annual basis. However, the reduced qualifying period of 12 months for this allowance would enable more PA recipients to benefit from the scheme. Suitable publicity will be given to the various social security improvements and explanatory leaflets will be issued by the Social Welfare Department.

Advice sought

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Members will be asked to advise whether the proposals outlined in paragraphs 5 to 10 above should be implemented from 1st April 1978, subject to provision of funds by Finance Committee.

(The Secretary for Social Services (Mr E. P. HO) and the Director of Social Welfare (Mr Thomas C. Y. LEE) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).

18th February 1978

(CR 11/5091/76 II)

inever

I

something

for nothing.

Think we

could see these

Something for

Yr may trip?

COUNCIL CHAMBER

C.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL

機密