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CONFIDENTIAL #22
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into the custody of the Prisons Department, as was virtually the case before 1963. It was not thus envisaged that many of SARDA's clients would be persons with criminal records. But over the years the proportion with such records has grown, so that it is today about 70% at Shek Kwu Chau. Moreover fair numbers do not really go there voluntarily: family pressures, and the threat of being turned out or disowned if they do not submit to treatment, often cause addicts to apply. The inmates are in consequence now little different as a class from those at Tai Lam or Ma Po Ping which has made other classes of addict understandably reluctant to volunteer
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to go to Shek Kwu Chau. Its remoteness and isolation and the long period for which an addict is required to surrender his liberty to take the cure, have added to its unpopularity. Triad activity amongst the inmates is not unknown, whilst disturbances of one sort or another occur from time to time. Without any disciplinary apparatus on the Island to exert control, the Police become involved when this happens.
13.
Although Shek Kwu Chau has a maximum capacity of 500, a figure of 300 is considered to be a better maximum for operating purposes. The average number of clients resident there during 1972 was 213. At one time (following a disturbance amongst the inmates) the number fell to 144. A revision of the admission procedure and subsequent programme took place at the end of 1972. AS a result, those who wish to leave after having been physically withdrawn (usually after about one month) may do so, whilst those who decide to stay for the full course of treatment remain. This led to the Island's population rising to 299 by the end of April 1973.
14.
Up to 31st March 1973, 5,980 male clients had received a course of treatment at Shek Kwu Chau since it opened in 1963. At the women's centre in Wanchai, 272 had been treated between 1968 and the end of March.
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