1404
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 18 May 1988
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, I think it is difficult to give an unequivocal yes or no to that answer. The Action Committee Against Narcotics keeps a very close watch on the trends in the abuse of all categories of drugs, and this of course includes psychotropic drugs and trafficking amongst youngsters.
At the moment, these figures are not considered to have reached a significant level but they are increasing, as Mrs. FAN has correctly said, and the Action Committee Against Narcotics will monitor this trend and will introduce such action as necessary. Action to curb psychotropic drug trafficking is, of course, taken in the context of the overall enforcement against illicit drug trafficking generally, including what are called 'hard drugs'. And it also forms part, as I have said, of the action taken by the police and customs in the course of their enforcement duties, in vice raids and in other investigative matters.
DR. TSE (in Cantonese): Sir, are triad activities in schools related to the increase in the trafficking of LSD in schools?
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, I have no information about that but this is certainly a matter which I shall refer to the Action Committee Against Narcotics, and I undertake to give a written reply. (See Annex I)
MR. LAI: Sir, will Government inform this Council whether the Administration will consider introducing the death sentence for drug trafficking offences, as in other Far East countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia?
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: I think I can say that the answer must be 'no', Sir.
Advanced specialist cardiac equipment in hospitals
3. DR. IP asked: Since Grantham Hospital is the only cardiac referral centre for all emergency cardiac catheterisation and emergency heart operations in Hong Kong, will Government inform this Council:
(a) whether the hospital is equipped with adequate and advanced specialist
cardiac equipment to meet its needs; and
(b) whether other cardiac equipment now being used in government and private
hospitals is available there?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, it is the professional opinion of the Director of Medical and Health Services that the Grantham Hospital is sufficiently well equipped at present to fulfil efficiently its function as an emergency cardiac referral centre.
I am assured that there are no special items of cardiac equipment in government hospitals which are not available in the Grantham Hospital. The Medical and Health Department does not keep detailed records of the equip-