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Drug Abuse

Lastly, I turn to the problem of drug abuse. I assure Honourable Members that we do recognise the seriousness of the problem. The Government is committed to tackling drug abuse, as exemplified by the package of measures set out in the Forward Action Plan, with a total cost of some $30 million, announced at the Governor's Summit Meeting on Drugs earlier this month. We have also received many other valuable suggestions on how to halt the growing trend of drug abuse by young people. These include the idea of establishing an anti-drug abuse fund to support drug demand reduction work, which was also mentioned by the Hon Dr K C Lam. All of these ideas will be given serious consideration by the Action Committee Against Narcotics in the months ahead. We will also study the effectiveness of different treatment approaches, including those adopted by religious agencies, to help determine the future direction of the provision of treatment and rehabilitation services.

Honourable Members, let me stress once again: enforcement action alone does not solve the drugs problem. Treatment and rehabilitation, preventive education and publicity are equally important. Effort by the Government alone is not enough; we need the support, indeed active participation, by voluntary agencies, parents, teachers, social workers, indeed the community as a whole. We in the Government are determined to fight this evil; I urge the community to join us in our common aim to "beat drugs".

Thank you, Mr President.

End/Wednesday, March 29, 1995

Speech by Secretary for Housing on budget debate

*

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic S W Wong.

at the budget debate in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President.

I am grateful to Honourable Members for their views on various housing

matters.