TNAG-0876-FCO40-1086-Development-of-social-welfare-policy-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 227

CONFIDENTIAL

機密

4.18 There are adequate public funeral services free or at

nominal cost, and cremation is encouraged as a dignified and

inexpensive alternative to burial. The Tung Wah Group also operates

four low cost funeral parlours. Funeral expenses for needy families

are met through discretionary payments under the Public Assistance

scheme and through the Emergency Relief Fund in case of disasters.

The

4.19

The popularity of Pak Kam Wui appears to be declining in

view of increased social security benefits and better welfare

facilities. Nevertheless, these schemes are known to have a fairly

wide membership amongst the poorer section of the community.

Government is gathering more up-to-date information on the scope

and operation of these schemes and will decide on the basis of this

information whether legislative controls are necessary.

Housing

4.20

The Government's housing target is to provide decent self-

contained accommodation for all by the mid 1980's. The elderly with

families will continue to be rehoused through this ambitious

programme. There are an estimated 177,000 elderly persons living

in Housing Authority estates and it is anticipated that under

existing criteria, a further 134,000 old people will be rehoused

by 1987/88. In addition, the Housing Authority has accepted a

commitment over the next 10 years to rehouse 10,000 elderly persons

in one and two person households who are ineligible for public

housing under existing criteria. This target will be achieved

mainly through :

(a) the provision of 5000 places in hostel accommodation;

(b) a quota set aside for compassionate cases;

CONFIDENTIAL

機密