wide publicity to be given to the
XCC(82)74
(c).
new policy;
(d)
28
(e)
(f)
(g)
the necessary improvement and alteration works at Chi Ma Wan to be done immediately;
construction work on the camp at Hei Ling Chau to commence at once with a view to having it ready by phases, the first to be completed by April 1983 and the whole camp by September 1983;
the Correctional Services Department to start recruiting the necessary staff, though sufficient staff is available to manage the camp at Chi Ma Wan immediately; and
departments such as Immigration,
Medical and Health, etc to review staff requirements and submit proposals; in the meantime, Chi Ma Wan's use as a closed camp to go ahead.
To implement the policy within the time span envisaged would require strong direction, co-ordination and liaison by a central agent. The Security Branch has undertaken this task in the past and is best placed to do so in view of the urgency. This, however, requires strengthening the Refugee Division which has been run down since April 1981, when it was thought the Vietnamese refugee problem in Hong Kong was being contained. It is proposed that the Refugee Division be strengthened with the necessary staff immediately. In the longer term it may be desirable to establish a separate authority along the lines recommended in the Lightbody Report to be responsible for all refugee matters. This will be kept under review, but is not proposed at this stage.
G.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL