XN000022-1988-04-04 — Page 3

MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1988

MORE SEEK ADVICE FROM ANTI-DRUG HOTLINE

MORE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN MAKING USE OF THE TELEPHONE HOTLINE SBT UP BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) TO SEEK ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON ANTI-DRUG ISSUES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE NUMBER OF CALLS MADE ΤΟ THE DRUG ABUSE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE HOTLINE, 3-668822, INCREASED FROM 1,620 IN 1986-87 TO 1,720 IN 1987-88.

"ABOUT HALF OF THE CALLS ASKED ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES WHILE THE OTHERS SOUGHT GENERAL INFORMATION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ON THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORK OF ACAN,

* HE ADDED.

THE HOTLINE WAS PREVIOUSLY LOCATED AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND WAR RELOCATED TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION IN OCTOBER 1986.

THIS WAS DONE WITH A VIEW TO

SUPPLYING A MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND IN-DEPTH SERVICE TO CALLERS MAKING COMPLICATED ENQUIRIES OR SEEKING COUNSELLING.

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THE HOTLINE IS MANNED BY EXPERIENCED STAFF DURING OFFICE HOURS.

THERE IS A PRE-RECORDED REPLY TO CALLS RECEIVED OUTSIDE OPERATING HOURS. THIS ASKS THE PERSONS TO CALL AGAIN AND ALSO GIVES THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES' ANTI-NARCOTICS HOTLINE FOR REPORTING DRUG PEDDLING ACTIVITIES.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED ON THE HOTLINE WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

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STUDY ROOMS OPEN TO SCHOOL CHILDREN

AT

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE STUDY ROOM FACILITIES 68 SCHOOLS TO STUDENTS WHO NEED A QUIET SURROUNDING TO STUDY AND DO HOMEWORK FROM APRIL 6 (WEDNESDAY) TO JUNE 30.

THE FACILITIES AT 11 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM FROM "MONDAY TO FRIDAY EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

/STUDY ROOMS