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REDUCTION OF SOCIAL WELFARE EXPENDITURE
5.
Most respondents were opposed to the government's proposal to cut social welfare expenditure. Some pointed out that compared with developed countries, Hong Kong's Government's expenditure on social welfare was small and inadequate. Some tried to combine this with Government's decision to sell public housing, to hive off health services by establishing the Hospital Authority, etc. and accused the Government for trying to reduce its social service commitments.
Some were suspicious that Government was now cutting back on all fronts because of the airport project and they were resentful. Some respondents urged the Government to improve efficiency rather than cut back on welfare expenditure if it had to identify savings to finance the new airport project. A few respondents suggested that the government should consider levying taxes on property speculators to obtain the revenue required.
6.
Respondents
from the social work sector felt particularly disappointed on the proposed reduction. They said that the reduction would have detrimental effect on the morale of social workers and pose still greater difficulty on the recruitment and retention of social workers. Some respondents were disappointed that the Government had failed to consult the Council of Social Services out directors of voluntary front-line experience.
7.
On the other
on the proposal and had only sounded agents who might not have adequate
hand, there
a few respondents who remarked that as Hong Kong was not a welfare state, the present level of provision of social service was acceptable. They said that the amount of
funds being cut was relatively small. Since all Government departments have to identify savings, they said that the proposed cuts should not be opposed.
CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON LEGISLATION TO PROSECUTE PARENTS WHO LEFT CHILDREN UNATTENDED
8.
Respondents in general
opposed that parents who left children alone at home should be prosecuted, although they remarked that they did not think that children sould be left unattended. Many respondents said that since nursery services provided by either the Government or voluntary agencies were inadequate at present, it would be unfair to pass legislation against those parents who had to work for the family's living. Some respondents pointed out that the Government should expand its nursery services and lower the charges for such services before contemplating the proposed legislation.
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