TNAG-0789-FCO40-993-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-contribut-1978 — Page 16

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IV - The next step

The public response in Hong Kong to the Green Paper "Help for those least able to help themselves" focussed on the contributory sickness, injury and death benefit scheme. And, as the Governor's address to Legislative Council on 11 October 1978 noted, the proposal was "the subject of wide debate". This was a welcome and appropriate response since the proposal, if implemented, would represent the most significant development in social security in Hong Kong since the announcement in the 1972 draft White Paper of the possible introduction of non-means tested disability and infirmity allowances.

In the development of nearly all social security schemes, the most significant step is the decision to introduce a contributory scheme. It is not therefore a step to be taken without careful thought and due public debate. Against this background, there might be advantage in the Hong Kong Government not reaching any decision at this stage. Instead, they might issue a further Green Paper setting out in a neutral way the case for and against of a contributory scheme, whether voluntary or compulsory. This course of action would have the following advantages. First, it would demonstrate the serious concern with which the Government treat social security matters. Secondly, it would leave the door open to the introduction of some form of contributory scheme if, in the light of the Green Paper consultations, a scheme emerges which is reasonably simple to administer and attracts a broad measure of public support. earlier, the available options have not yet been fully explored. Thirdly, whichever way the decision goes, it will have been made clear to people in Hong Kong that the introduction of a contributory scheme raises important and complex issues; that there are substantial arguments on either side of the fence; and that it is a mistake to see the proposal in black and white terms.

As noted

The publication of a further Green Paper need not hold up significantly the introduction of whatever measures are decided upon by the Hong Kong Government, since the work that was done in preparation for the Green Paper would serve also to prepare the ground for implementing the Government's eventual decisions. Moreover, a number of other Government initiatives on social security are in process of implementation so that the Government cannot reasonably be accused of simply attempting to postpone taking any further action on social security generally.

سبيله

T S Heppell

Department of Health & Social Security, London. 16 November 1978