ENG-1974 — Page 27

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A SOCIAL COMMITMENT

provide effective protection for workers, such as the guarding of machinery. The government plans to launch a 'five year programme of action' to encourage a greater awareness of the benefits of safety training.

When accidents occur at work, injured workers are guaranteed reasonable finan- cial assistance by the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance. The maximum amount of compensation payable has been steadily increased over the past five years, being raised in 1973 by a further one third. Another recent amendment has made an em- ployer responsible for the cost of artificial limbs and surgical appliances for his injured workers. In the near future the government intends to extend the ordinance to cover compensation for workers suffering from silicosis, which is one of the most serious occupational diseases in Hong Kong.

The Government's Social Welfare Plan

Before the Social Welfare Department was formed in 1958, the only government welfare facilities available were a probation service and provision for the protection of women and juveniles which had previously been the responsibility of the Social Welfare Office of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs. At that time, there was little effective co-ordination of the work of the voluntary agencies.

In its early days the Social Welfare Department was restricted to helping the destitute or those affected by natural disasters. However, it soon began to involve itself in community development and youth welfare. A turning point, which did much to improve the quality of both government and voluntary services, was the introduc- tion in the early 1960s of proper training for social workers.

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Since then, the government's social welfare services have developed rapidly. In 1973, a five year plan was adopted. To ensure that it remains appropriate to changing conditions, the plan is reviewed annually by representatives from the government and private bodies.

Since the introduction of the Community and Youth Officer scheme in December 1973, officers have been appointed to all urban districts, and others are to be appointed in the New Territories, to develop community and youth work and to advise and help voluntary organisations and youth groups, thus improving the quality of community programmes.

The disability and infirmity allowance scheme, now in its second year, provides regular allowances for 50,000 elderly or severely disabled people. To keep pace with the rising cost of living, the rates of benefit were increased in 1974 by 62 per cent as compared with those in force in April 1972.

In 1974, the public assistance scheme was revised, with increased rates and sim- plified claim procedures. The public assistance scheme introduced in 1971 has replaced the former system of distributing cash and food.

Hong Kong is not, in the full sense, a welfare state. People are expected to stand on their own feet, a principle which accords with their proud and independent spirit. The government has, however, steadily expanded its commitment to those social welfare services which will relieve hardship and protect the sick, aged and infirm.