XN000022-1995-01-11 — Page 45

34 -

(b)

૯

(c)

(d)

(e)

The number of illegal immigrants arrested by Police near the Border in the past six months was 4,787. This compares with a total of 5,212 in the same period last year.

The number of illegal immigrants entering Hong Kong was lower in 1994 than in the previous two years.

A number of factors account for the difficulties experienced by the Police in the arrest of illegal immigrants. The open sea approaches to the Territory and the large number of vessels plying these routes for legitimate reasons provide opportunities for illegal immigrants to enter Hong Kong. The rise in cross border traffic has provided more opportunities for illegal immigrants. The difficult terrain in the Sha Tau Kok area, with its thick undergrowth, provides good cover for illegal immigrants.

The Police have taken a number of measures to step up efforts to arrest illegal immigrants in the Border area. The Field Patrol Detachment, consisting of four PTU companies, covers the Border area from Tsim Bei Tsui in the west to Sha Tau Kok in the east. Three companies are deployed along the Border itself on a 24-hour basis. They are deployed in a combination of ambush positions and patrols. The fourth company is designated as a Quick Reaction Force, capable of deploying manpower at short notice to interdict illegal immigrants. In addition, operations based on intelligence are mounted at locations where illegal immigrants are known to be present. Close liaison is maintained with villagers to gather information and to give appropriate advice. The assistance of the Chinese authorities is also enlisted to counter the problem.

End/Wednesday, January 11, 1995

Measures ensure navigational safety in Victoria Harbour

Following is a question by the Hon Samuel Wong Ping-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for Works, Mr James Blake, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding the reclamation works on both sides of the Victoria harbour, will the Government inform this Council: