HC Deb 09 January 1985 vol 70 cc470-1W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Hong Kong.

Mr. Luce

During his visit to Hong Kong from 20–21 December, my right hon. and learned Friend accompanied the Prime Minister on several of her engagements. This gave him an opportunity to meet unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils as well as community and business representatives. In addition he attended a meeting of the Executive Council in Hong Kong and was briefed on developments around Victoria harbour.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is the number of (a) men, (b) women, (c) young persons and (d) juveniles in prison in Hong Kong at the latest available date;

(2) what is the longest period of time served in custody on remand by a person currently remanded in prison in Hong Kong;

(3) what is the number of (a) men, (b) women, (c) young persons and (d) juveniles on remand in custody in Hong Kong at the latest available date;

(4) what is the number of mentally disordered persons in prison in Hong Kong (a) on remand and (b) sentenced;

(5) if he is satisfied with conditions in penal establishments in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

[pursuant to his answer, 20 December 1984, c. 295]: The following is the information.

As at 17 December 1984 there were 4,892 men, 134 women and 357 young persons aged 14–20 (348 male and nine female) in prison in Hong Kong. Offenders below the age of 14 are not sentenced to penal institutions.

As at 17 December 1984 the longest period of time served in custody by a person currently on remand in Hong Kong was 327 days.

As at the same date, there were 428 men, 12 women and 62 young persons aged 14–20 (59 male and three female) in custody on remand in Hong Kong. Thirty eight boys and 21 girls under the age of 14 were on remand in homes run by the Social Welfare Department.

As at 17 December 1984, there were eight mentally disturbed persons in custody on remand in Hong Kong and 146 such persons serving sentences in correctional institutions.

The conditions in penal establishments in Hong Kong are satisfactory. Accommodation for prisoners is planned according to United Nations standards.

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