- 13
achieved in comparison to those elsewhere.
Nevertheless
there are heartening indicators. For instance the
percentage of all persons entering prison institutions
found to be addicted has dropped over the last five
years from 73% to 40%- it was a staggering 90% in 1950
and the percentage amongst those under 21 has dropped from
4.7% to under 1%.
23 All the indicators now point to a steady containment
of the numbers addicted, and to a reduction of the numbers
of young people becoming involved. We have no illusions
about the length of the road to be travelled, or about
the dangers of regression if the intensity of these
many-sided endeavours were relaxed, but the situation is
beginning to look encouraging.
24
This ferment of purposeful activity in Hong Kong has
stimulated considerable international interest. A steady
flow of visitors come to study our methods and the
International Narcotics Control Board's Report for 1977
referred to the value of Hong Kong's experience to the
international community.