XN000022-1972-12-01 — Page 7

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Friday, December 1, 1972

11We are also studying the need for a special prison to provide a

regime of strict discipline and firm training for young offenders between 18 and

25 years of age. We will be guided by experience, but our current belief is

that the regime for young offenders should be sharper and more concentrated than

that for older or more habitual criminals.

"A 120-bed psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, and for

those requiring observation and treatment for mental disorders was opened this

Other proposals for improving our prison service include a prison for

week.

geriatrics.

"The success of these measures and of others that we may have to

introduce before crime is mastered in Hong Kong, depends on all of you and on

your colleagues who cannot be here today. Your work is difficult and demanding

and requires a high standard of discipline, devotion to duty and a humane

approach.

But you belong to a fine service which has always been a credit

to Hong Kong and I know you will meet whatever demands our fight against crime

puts on you.

"I congratulate you on your turn-out and bearing, and wish you

every success in the year ahead."

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