XN000022-1973-11-29 — Page 17

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Thursday, November 29, 1973

On the third initiative, the Secretary for Home Affairs said the

responsibiltiy for taking public opinion into account "rests with all

officials and unofficials concerned with policy decisions. In addition,

a special responsibility rests on the holder of my post to ensure that

public opinion is presented and considered at all levels."

Mr. Bray emphasised: "The new society is anxious to deal with

social problems itself. We shall respond by involving the community more

in decisions affecting its everyday life."

Dealing with the crime problem, he said the government should be

Last winter people were beginning

encouraged by greater public confidence.

to stay off the streets at night, to keep their children at home, and walk

in fear of attack.

"This is not the case today. Reports from City District Offices,

opinion surveys, and police contacts all reflect a strengthening of public

confidence in law and order.

"However," he added, "we still have far too many robberies and other

violent crimes; and the police must be given the men to deal with them."

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