TNAG-0876-FCO40-1086-Development-of-social-welfare-policy-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 12

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Total capital expenditure for all programmes in the White Paper is estimated to be $114 million at 1978 prices. Total additional recurrent expenditure is estimated to be $80 million in 1978/79, increasing to $235 million by 1982/83 and to $297 million by 1986/87. These figures represent the maximum cost to Government directly attributable to programme headings indicated, including allocations from the Lotteries Fund (but excluding public housing and medical and health service costs for the elderly, etc). The use of non- Government resources may reduce the commitment to some extent.

Public Relations

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Most of the improvements in social security benefits have already been introduced in 1978 and have been generally welcomed. The other proposals in the White Paper take into account public comments and are the result of extensive consultation with the voluntary sector. They are expected to be favourably received. However, some may criticise individual planning targets as being inadequate. The Government has considered carefully all the views received and believes that the proposals now made in the White Paper are realistic goals. There is a well established machinery to review and adjust all planning targets annually against changing needs and the availability of better planning information.

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There may also be some disappointment that the White Paper does not outline the Government's intention in respect of the proposed voluntary contributory sickness, injury and death benefit scheme. However, it will be stressed that it has been decided to proceed in this manner in order not to delay publication and imple- mentation of the various proposals in the White Paper, particularly those affecting the elderly and young people for which the voluntary sector is geared for action.

Advice Sought

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Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether:

(a) the proposals in the White Paper should be accepted

and implemented; and

(b) the White Paper should be published and tabled in

the Legislative Council as soon as possible.

(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).

28th February 1979

(CR 11/5091/78)

CONFIDENTIAL