5 July 1989
一九八九年七月五日
11
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
香港立法局
investigations should not proceed. This system is something from which the public can derive considerable assurance. The ICAC is obliged by law to investigate all reports it receives of alleged corruption provided that the reports contain enough basic information to enable an investigation to be started. Moreover, even in those cases in which a decision is made not to proceed further with the investigation, the commission still reports to its Operations Review Committee. This committee includes members from outside the Government, and it advises on what further action may be necessary.
Thirdly, the efforts of the ICAC, and of the police, have been effective in reducing the problem of corruption. The number of complaints to the ICAC directed against the police has declined from 1 443 in 1974, that is 45% of the total complaints received, to 702 in 1984, 30% of total complaints, and down to 441 complaints, or 20% of the total, in 1988.
This downward trend is continuing. Up to the end of May this year corruption complaints involving police officers were 11% lower than in the same period last year. In contrast to the reduction in the number of complaints is the increasing proportion of complainants who are prepared to identify themselves. This is of great help to the ICAC in carrying out investigations and is a sign of increased public confidence in the system. In short, the system which has been developed to deal with corruption is working well and public confidence in the system is high.
Finally, Sir, I should like to observe that no one is more aware of the need to deal with the threat of corruption to the police force than the commissioner and his staff. They have co-operated fully with the ICAC and have also worked hard on their own account over the years to help eradicate and prevent corruption in the force. The commissioner and his staff deserve the support and encouragement of the community for what they have done and, are doing, to ensure that the Royal Hong Kong Police remains an effective and highly professional force which can be trusted to serve the community well.
Remedial training for maladjusted children
2. DR. IP asked: Will Government consider providing additional staff to schools with a high percentage of maladjusted children so as to provide adequate remedial training and counselling to these children?
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, I assume Dr. IP is asking about children in ordinary schools who have emotional, behavioural and
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