HC Deb 08 March 1978 vol 945 cc685-7W
Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Com- monwealth Affairs whether he will give figures to show the progress in the fight against crime in Hong Kong over the last five years.

Mr. Luard

Since 1973, reported crime in Hong Kong has increased by 33 per cent, from 38,862 cases to 51,610 cases. In the same period the detection rate has improved from 46 per cent, to 57 per cent. However, total reported crime in 1977 decreased by 2.3 per cent, on the previous year and violent crime dropped by 10 per cent.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the policy of the Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police towards the ability of junior officers to form an association, in the light of the recent mass resignation of the preparatory committee.

Mr. Luard

My right hon. Friend is entirely satisfied. The formation of the Junior Police Officers' Association has been successfully concluded with the election of an executive committee on 23rd February.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what powers the Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police has to veto appointments to executive positions in the Junior Police Officers' Association.

Mr. Luard

None.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what powers the Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police has to instruct a police association that they do not require the post of information or publicity officer.

Mr. Luard

None. No such instruction has been given.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what powers the Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police has to veto executive officers appointed to any of the following organisations: the Local Inspectors' Association, the Expatriate Inspectors' Association and the Local Superintendents' Association; from what ordinance such powers are derived; and if such powers have ever been revoked.

Mr. Luard

None. No officers have been vetoed.