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(b) As to the second part of the question, I understand that neither the Transport Department nor the Police has any objection in principle to the installation of such safety devices in taxis. In fact, The Crime Prevention Bureau and the Transport Department have had detailed discussions with taxi associations on the feasibility of installing various anti-robbery devices in taxis. These include plastic partition at the driver's seat, vehicle tracking devices, and a covert device by which the drivers can cause the rooftop signs to flash to call for police assistance when in need. The Bureau has also introduced the sources of supply for such anti-robbery devices to the taxi associations. The Police have just conducted a questionnaire survey in September 1995 to seek the opinions of taxi drivers and their associations on these security measures. The survey has now been completed and its findings will be available by end of 1995. Results of the survey will be supplied to and discussed with the taxi associations in due course.
We will study the results of the survey carefully and continue to monitor the problem of taxi robbery closely to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the personal safety of taxi drivers.
End
Government's position on British citizenship issue
Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
In a recent speech to the Hong Kong Management Association, a Preliminary Working Committee member mentioned that the Chinese Government might set up a Special Administrative Region provisional secretariat and a provisional legislature in the colony next year. This has given rise to public concern over a smooth transfer of power upon the change of sovereignty. Will the Government inform this Council whether it will step up efforts to persuade the British Parliament to consider giving full British citizenship to all citizens in the colony who are holders of the British Dependent Territories Citizen passport or British National (Overseas) passport?