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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, on the reported rental issue involving non-government organisations (NGOs) after attending the launch ceremony for Promoting Child-focused Co-parenting in the Community organised by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service today (March 14):
Reporter: Regarding news reports on the new owner's (of a shopping mall in Lam Tin) raising management fee for NGOs, do you think it is a breach of contract? Can the government do something more to help the NGOs?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: We are very concerned about the report. In fact, the Social Welfare Department has been in touch with the Housing Department and the Housing Authority to try to establish the facts. I think we have to establish the facts first, but the point I want to make is, the matter is very important to the NGOs concerned because they are operating on a welfare rent basis.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, March 14, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:12
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