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Conclusion

In conclusion, Mr President, the Administration feels that the Housing Society has been acting responsibly in the field of housing development, and indeed has been successful in meeting the housing needs of specific groups in our community. The Executive Committee and staff of the Housing Society deserve to be congratulated on their achievements. With the presence now of Government officials on its Executive Committee and the Housing Society's positive attitude in

positive attitude in further improving its management structure, systems and procedures, it is clear that the Housing Society wishes to continue to be responsive to enquiries and constructive suggestions, and to perform well for the benefit of the people of Hong Kong. The Administration will pass on Honourable Members' views and suggestions made this afternoon to the Housing Society for reference and action. With these remarks, Mr President, we support the spirit of the motion.

Thank you.

End/Wednesday, June 21, 1995

Soft drugs

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the motion debate on soft drugs in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

Drug abuse is a long standing problem in Hong Kong. In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a persistent and worrying increase in the number of drug abusers newly reported to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse. In 1994, there was an increase of 13.5 per cent in the number of newly reported persons compared with 1993. For those newly reported young persons under 21 years of age, an increase of 22 per cent was recorded, from 2,253 in 1993 to 2,748 in 1994.

The worsening drug problem makes it clear that we need to provide an effective response and give more impetus to the current programme. It was with this objective in mind that the Governor convened the summit meeting on drugs on 6 March this year, to bring together representatives from a wide sector of the community, to plan a community-wide education and support effort to try to halt the growing trend in drug abuse by young people. At the end of the summit, the Governor announced a 26-point Forward Action Plan of concrete actions the Government will be taking in the coming months. The Action Committee Against Narcotics has also studied the 92 proposals put forward by summit participants and submitted a report with recommendations to the Governor early this month. We now have an enormous programme of work before us, and we will pursue it vigorously.