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Imports from UK
(January-July 1979):
AL SERVICES
Education
£251 million: up 41.1% on January-July 1978
Primary education and three years of secondary education are compul-
sory and free. Senior secondary and higher education is heavily
subsidised, and being expanded to ensure adequate places for all who
want it.
Medical Services
Provided at minimal costs in government out-patient clinics and
hospitals. Comprehensive public health programme has brought main
diseases under control, e.g. tuberculosis. Infant mortality, birth
and death rates on a par with Western European countries. Life
expectancy 69.57 (men), 76.42 (women)
Housing
Subsidised public housing provided for 45% of the population. Current
annual rate of housing construction:
public sector 35,000 units;
private sector
LABOUR
Unemployment Rate:
30,000 units.
2.7%
Average monthly wage (manufacturing):
£123
Trade Union membership: estimated 400,000, 20% of labour force
Child labour now outlawed in industrial and non-industrial work.
DEFENCE AND SECURITY
Garrison consists of four infantry battalions (3 Gurkha, 1 British),
a Gurkha engineer squadron with naval and air support.
Establishment of Royal Hong Kong Police Force: 19,000 approx.
(Temporary reinforcements of 12 infantry battalions plus supporting
units, provided in June to help deal with greatly increased influx of
illegal immigrants, will be withdrawn by early 1980 if the situation
permits.)
Hong Kong and General Department
September
7
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