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A
examine the problems in the RHKPF over management and morale.
number of their recommendations are now being implemented. In 1981
there were in all 478 prosecutions for corruption and related
offences.
DEATH PENALTY
4.2 The death penalty still exists in Hong Kong law and public opinion there is strongly in favour of its being applied. However, although convictions on capital charges occur regularly, no death sentence has been carried out since 1966. This situation causes some resentment in Hong Kong on the grounds that local opinion has apparently been overruled by HMG. An announcement by the Governor in late 1975 that he would impose life sentences, save in exceptional circumstances, when commuting the death penalty, appears to have taken some of the sting out of this issue but it remains a
sensitive one. Two recent and particularly unpleasant murder cases have rekindled public interest.
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT
4.3 The absence of democratic institutions in Hong Kong has given rise to protests in some quarters that the general public should
have a greater say in the way the Territory is run. Because of the Territory's special position vis-à-vis China, there is no possibility of its ever becoming independent. The normal policy in Dependent Territories of encouraging local democratic procedures, as part of the process of moving towards self-government and ultimate independence, does not therefore apply in Hong Kong.
4.4 The Hong Kong Government are aware of the need, because of these special circumstances, to devise ways of making the government more responsive to public opinion. In selecting Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the Governor has endeavoured to make the Councils representative of as broad a cross- section of Hong Kong society as possible. A large number of
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