White paper Social welfare into the 1990s and beyond.

Abstract

In January 1990, a Working Party was established to review the various programme areas in the social welfare field and to draft a White Paper which would set out proposals for the way ahead. The terms of reference of the Working Party are set out in Appendix A. It was chaired by the Secretary for Health and Welfare and comprised mainly non-officials, drawn from organizations and institutions involved in social welfare and other areas of the private sector. Details of its membership are provided in Appendix B. To assist the Working Party, five Sub-committees were established, each focussing on a particular programme area. Sub-committee membership lists are at Appendix C. Cross-membership of Working Party members to all Sub-committees ensured a balanced flow of views and sentiments between the two levels. 2. The Working Party met formally on 17 occasions and considered over 70 working papers. It was kept informed of the deliberations ofthe five Sub-committees through the circulation of the minutes of thelatters5 meetings and through the cross-membership arrangements mentioned above. The Sub-committees held a total of 23 meetings and considered some 65 working papers. Copies of all significant public commentaries together with weekly summaries of media reactions were also circulated to members of the Working Party. 3. A draft White Paper was published in mid-September 1990 and attracted significant public debate and commentary. By the close of this second consultative period in mid-December the draft had been debated in the Legislative Council, District Boards and in a wide range of seminars. A total of 237 written submissions on the draft were received. A summary of these submissions by source is at Appendix D and the public comments are summarized in Appendix E. They were carefully considered by the Working Party and, where appropriate, the draft White Paper was adjusted accordingly. 4. In mid-January 1991, the Working Party submitted a revised draft White Paper to the Administration.