HC Deb 20 March 1975 vol 888 cc512-3W
Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the net gain by migration from China to Hong Kong over the last five years.

Mr. Ennals:

Probably of the order of 100,000. Immigration from China during the years 1970–74 inclusive is estimated to be 175,000. From this must be deducted subsequent emigration to other countries, for which accurate figures are not available.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the population of Hong Kong is housed in public housing; for how many people have the Government provided housing there year by year for the last five years ; and what are the plans in the years ahead.

Mr. Ennals:

About 44 per cent. The numbers so housed during the past five years are as follows:

1970 30,000
1971 89,000
1972 104,000
1973 91,000
1974 53,000
Total 367,000

There is a 10-year programme to build housing for another 1.5 million people. Though financial constraints might delay the programme from time to time, it is designed, together with the private sector's expected contribution, to break the back of Hong Kong's housing problem.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is being done to co-ordinate the efforts of Government Departments and voluntary bodies in Hong Kong in the field of rehabilitation.

Mr. Ennals:

In June 1974 a Government working group, co-ordinated by the Social Services Branch of the Colonial Secretariat, was set up to produce a 10-year plan for the development of all types of disability and rehabilitation services. The Medical and Health, Social Welfare and Education Departments are represented on the group, which is expected to complete its work later this year. Voluntary bodies will be fully consulted and will be invited to assist in the plan's implementation.