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public the function and the progress being made by Council, and a publication which would be written in such a way as to be digestible by all. If the public is unaware of what is going on now, what happens when our jurisdiction is expanded?

For years this Council has been pressing for a Public Relations Officer without success. Perhaps a new approach could be made to Government and this quarterly publication I have just mentioned could be one of that Officer's first tasks. Ours is the most active Council with responsibilities to citizens in one way or another from their cradles to their graves and indeed, such a large body must have its own means of reaching the public. One other point, as long as no real efforts are made through schools and other organizations, complaints that public places are dirty will not cease. However, complainants often fail to realise that litter in public places is caused by the users. Mr. Chairman, I should like to see greater efforts being made by this Council in con- junction with schools, Kaifong associations and civic bodies to cultivate a greater sense of civic consciousness. This would not apply solely to littering but also to the indiscriminate bombardment from the upper floors (I have been a victim several times) the blockage of stairway passages and other selfish and thoughtless practices.

Government must, of course, set an example which is not yet in evidence. One example. There is a daily flow of large numbers of passengers to and from Macau at the Central Reclamation Area. What do the travellers face as soon as they leave the Immigration and Customs buildings? They come face to face with a public latrine which leaves much to be desired from every aspect. What does one see around that area? Temporary structures (they certainly look tempo- rary) with pavements, channels and drains around filled with puddles of water regardless of the weather. Much of this water comes from the air-conditioners. I can appreciate that this is perhaps not the fault of the Departments occupying these buildings but someone must surely be responsible; not only for the drip-drops but also for the rubbish in the back lanes of all the structures in that reclamation area now being occupied by Government Departments. How can we expect the public to show any civic pride when Government is not setting the example?

Sir, having made these observations, I would like to say a few more words before resuming my seat. With your indulgence, a subject outside this Council's present scope the aged, the mentally and the physically handicapped. For most people there is no provision for protection against the lean days of old age. Traditionally the Chinese family accepts the important responsibility of caring for and looking after their aged and destitute relatives but, Sir, times are changing. Hong Kong's special position, both politically and economically, re- quires that we move forward to keep pace with local progress and the outside world as well. But this forward motion must also be made

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with considerable caution and forethought. With this in mind, I would suggest that one field in which we could concentrate is the important one of Social Security. I disagree with recent statements that personnel and money is the cause of delay in this field. Very recently there was some news in the Press on this subject and from what I can see and from what I know, it appears that the snail will continue to travel slowly because the shell on its back is far too large and heavy for greater speed. Like Rome was not built in a day, the problems of Social Security cannot be resolved over night nor can we expect any realistic approach within a reasonable period of time if the programme is to be on an overall basis. May I, through you, Sir, request the Director of Social Welfare to approach this subject of Social Security in stages, giving priority to the aged, the physically and mentally handicapped. This would immediately relieve the responsibility of those in our com- munity who are forced, through circumstances, to carry this burden and thereafter branch out to other spheres. If we wish to instill a sense of belonging, and indeed there are some reasons for this, what then is more reassuring than knowing that if, when one has lost one's energy and/or faculties, one will be assured of assistance and not charity as at present. Families now and in the future will be able to spend their money on better living conditions, for their children's education and other necessities of modern day living. Indeed, this could be the beginning of a better sense of belonging.

With these words, I beg to support the Motion. (Applause).

MR. LI YUI-BOR:—Mr. Chairman, as I am not seeking re-election to this Council next March, this is the last Annual Conventional Debate in which I shall participate. I have served on this Council for nearly 13 years, but as a result of a change of procedure, I have spoken in 14 Annual Debates. Such being the case, I shall say as little as possible on this particular occasion.

I think all of us will agree, Sir, that much more needs to be done in the field of social services in Hong Kong. It is gratifying to note that a comprehensive five-year plan covering all aspects of social work is being drafted and is now in its final stages of preparation. Let us hope that this plan will be submitted to the Governor-in-Council for approval and pursued with vigour.

I support the idea that social services in Hong Kong should not be undertaken by Government alone. Many reputable voluntary agencies have done, and are still doing, invaluable work in the various fields in which they specialize. Given sufficient support and encouragement, they will continue to increase the scope and value of their work to the community. What we need to watch and avoid is a waste of public funds and manpower caused by a duplication of effort, and this, I am happy to say, is being done by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.