TNAG-1301-FCO40-1657-Visits-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1984 — Page 125

IN CONFIDENCE

3.4

There is a comprehensive public health programme to combat

tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, malaria and other controllable diseases. Infant mortality, at 9.9 per 1,000 live births in 1982, is lower than in many developed countries, and life expectancy is one

of the highest in the world. The birth rate, at 16.5 per thousand population in 1981, means that the natural rate of increase of the population is just over 1%.

HOUSING

3.5

Hong Kong's housing problem stems from the fact that the population has increased 8 times since 1945. What is more, there is an acute shortage of land suitable for development. The Hong

its

Kong Government first started building public housing in 1954:

aim now is to ensure that every family has a permanent, self-

contained home at a rent or price it can afford. At present over

2,100,000 people, (over 40% of the population) live in public housing, and the Housing Authority constructs about 35,000 flats a

year. Another 27 30,000 units a year are being constructed by the

private sector Rents are much lower in public housing where some

40% of tenants paid less than HK$100 (£9.00) a month rent and 70%-- paid less than HK$ 200 (£18) in 1981. There is also a steady

improvement in spatial standards and amenities, such as shopping and

recreational centres. However, partly because of the influx of refugees since 1973, demand for permanent housing has continued to

exceed supply, and some 100,000 families live in squatter areas.

SOCIAL WELFARE

3.6 There are a number of social security schemes operated by the

Social Welfare Department. The Public Assistance Scheme, which is

means-tested and non-contributory is designed to provide a basic

level of income for individuals and families in need. Able-bodied

applicants must register for work whilst claiming. The basic scale is HK$510 (£45) per month for a single claimant, with a reduced rate for additional family members. Supplements increasing this by HK$255 (£23) per month are paid to the disabled, and those aged over

60. Additional grants are given for rent and annual replacement of

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