20
large computerised central registry of drug addicts should shed new
and authoritative light on the adequacy of our policies and programmes.
Prisons
58.
The Prisons Department continues to maintain a high standard in its essential and distinctive contribution to the fight against crime. It is a service of increasingly high quality and admirably led. Its problems have been over-crowding due to lack of building, and insufficient
constructive occupation for inmates in some institutions.
59.
Following on a consultant's study on prison industries a
General Manager is to be appointed to lead a new prisons industry division. I am sure that with proper organisation, supervision and control the Prisons Department could make a much larger contribution to Government supplies.
60.
With recent construction the amount of accommodation has improved, and will improve further this year. The Lai Chi Kok reception centre for 960 will open on 1st December, Lai King Hill Training Centre for 260 will open early next year. The detention
centre at Sha Tsui has been expanded to take in 70 young adults
between 21 and 24; and the drug addiction treatment centre at Hei Ling Chau is being expanded and will eventually accommodate about 1,400. But on the other hand the Chatham Road centre will be closed next year,
and I sincerely hope that Victoria Prison will follow it within a few
years. The housing of the prison population, therefore, continues to
be a problem.
/(5) Public