7.
8.
aware of the problem of corruption and are tackling it vigorously through their Anti-Corruption Office.
The Anti-Corruption Office has a total staff strength of 191. It is headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who is advised by a Principal Crown Counsel. Overall guidance is given by an advisory committee of 2 prominent members of the public and 3 officials from outside the Police Force.
There were 74 prosecutions in connection with alleged cases of corruption in 1972, resulting in 58 convictions and 12 acquittals. We have not yet learnt the results of the other 4 cases.
NARCOTICS
There are estimated to be no fewer than 60,000 addicts in Hong Kong. US sources put it as high as 80,000 - 100,000. The turnover of the business of opium and its derivatives in Hong Kong is estimated to be about HK$1 million a day. Last year the Hong Kong Government appointed a Commissioner for Narcotics to deal with the problem. We and the Hong Kong Government are at present examining various ways of taking action in the inter- national field against the illicit traffic in drugs to Hong Kong from the "Golden Triangle" area (the border area between Burma, Thailand and Laos). Subject to approval by ECOSOC, a UN Ad Hoc Committee for the Far East later this year is to examine ways of fostering regional co-operation against illicit traffic in narcotics. It is hoped that there will eventually be a sub- commission for the Far East.
HOUSING AND RENTS
Housing. Government housing at subsidised rents is now provided for 1.56 million people, 38% of the population. Under a new programme the Hong Kong Government hope to provide within 10 years self-contained accommodation for every family in need of it. The object of the programme is to eliminate all squatter settlements and sub-standard housing. This will mean additional housing for 1.8 million people at a cost of about £250 million.
Rents. There has been mounting public concern in Hong Kong over rapid rises during the last year in rents. In 1972 house rents rose by 27% and those of flats by about 40%. To combat these spiralling rises the Hong Kong Government are considering the extension of their control over rents to include all post- war domestic tenancies, except for new lettings. This will
/bring
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