CONFIDENTIAL
programme budget) of £2,500 to be used for the purchase of English language teaching material for use in refugee camps.
Orderly Departure Programme (ODP)
9.
There is a history of confusion in Hong Kong over the UK's commitment to the ODP which is seen by some as being in competition
with resettlement of refugees from Hong Kong. In fact those
accepted by the UK under the ODP are not refugees but immigrants who
meet the normal family reunion criteria to come to this country. By
dissuading people from leaving Vietnam clandestinely the scheme
indirectly helps Hong Kong.
Conditions in the Camps
10. San Yick factory building was converted in mid 1988 to
accommodate about 4,500 pre-16 June arrivals. It has been heavily
criticised as being over-crowded and having inadequate washing, cooking and recreational facilities. The Hong Kong Government have made such improvements as they can within the building and by
allowing some liberalisation of the regime in situ, but the answer
lies in removing the residents to proper alternative accommodation. The Hong Kong Government have undertaken to do this as quickly as possible, and over 1000 have already been rehoused elsewhere.
Disturbances at Hei Ling Chau
11. The independent enquiry set up by the Governor to look into allegations of ill-treatment after disturbances at Hei Ling Chau in July recognised that Correctional Services Department staff were operating under considerable pressure at the time of the incident but concluded that unnecessary force was used by some unidentified CSD staff. Possible disciplinary action against those concerned
remains under consideration. Operational procedures are being thoroughly examined.