§ Sir P. Bryanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth 360W Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the progress in the formation of mutual aid committees in Hong Kong and their effectiveness in discouraging crime.
§ Miss Joan LestorOver 1,500 mutual aid committees (MACs) have been formed since May 1973. More will be formed as resources permit. MACs have installed burglar alarms, security gates, intercom systems, close circuit television and have employed watchmen to improve the physical security of their buildings. Organised neighbourhood security patrols maintain close liaison with the police and the city district officers. These measures have led to a reduction in the incidence of crime in localities where MACs exist.
§ Sir P. Bryanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to increase effective strength of the Hong Kong police by civilianisation, the installation of traffic wardens and recruitment of auxiliaries.
§ Miss Joan LestorA civilianisation programme involving 934 posts has been introduced. So far, 256 posts have been filled including 93 traffic wardens on a trial basis.
The establishment of the Auxiliary Police Force was increased from 6,000 to 7,000 in August 1973. The current strength is over 6,750.
§ Sir P. Bryanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give figures to illustrate progress in the recruitment for the police in Hong Kong over the last two years.
§ Miss Joan LestorThe figures of net police recruitment over the last three years are as follows:
Establishment Actual Strength Vacancies 1st January 1973 14,816 12,199 2,617 1st January 1974 16,025 12,487 3,538 1st January 1975 16,079 14,170 1,909