49. 4 local officers attended overseas course during the year under review.
Recruiting
50. Whilst the establishment of the Service was increased by 5.6% with effect from 1st April 1966, this represents only about 15% to 20% of the staff ideally required to meet satisfactorily the demands on the Service. Having regard however, to the limited training facilities and the backlog of training to be disposed of any staff increases over and above those which were approved on 1st April 1966 would have, inter alia, resulted in dangerously sacrificing quality for quantity.
51. Since the expansion of the Service was confined to 5.6% during the year, the actual strength and approved establishment once again more closely coincided than had been the case prior to 1964-65.
52. 10 overseas officers were appointed on contract and 4 on secondment for one tour during the year under review. Consequent upon increased training facilities both local and overseas and barring unforeseen contingencies, it is pleasing to record that it is now possible to plan and develop the Service without resorting to any further overseas recruitment.
SEARCH AND RESCUE RESOURCES
53. A comprehensive study of existing and foreseeable search and rescue problems during the year demonstrated that it was essential to augment substantially the Department's search and rescue resources and a plan for this was submitted to Government during the year.
BUILDING ACCOMMODATION
54. During the year the following additional premises were com- missioned:
Fire Services Headquarters Stores & Workshops,
Shau Kei Wan Fire Station,
Morrison Hill Ambulance Depot.
Kennedy Town Fire Station,
Ngau Chi Wan Fire Station,
Ma Tau Chung Ambulance Depot, Tai Tam Fire Station (Temporary Unit).
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