XN000022-1973-07-06 — Page 5

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Friday, July 6, 1973

"But it is the design of the prison itself which is in most need

of attention. Stanley was built in 1937, and it says much for the imagination

and foresight of its planners that it has been able to cope for so long with

the demands made upon it.

years

"However, its shortcomings have become more pronounced over the

particularly because many more prisoners have had to be housed there

than was envisaged in the original plan.

"Accommodation was provided for 1,500, but the actual occupancy

now stands at about 2,700."

The spokesman said that as a result of the departmental inquiry

into the causes of the disturbances expert advice had been sought from Britain

on prison design and administration.

Two experts in these fields recently visited Hong Kong and some

of their proposals are already being implemented, together with some emerging

from the departmental inquiry.

Other proposals are being examined in greater detail and will be

implemented wherever practicable.

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