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"Since the 1970s, we have done a great deal to improve the stability of slopes adjacent to buildings throughout our city.

"But this has not been enough, as the tragic landslips in August brought home to us," the Governor said.

year.

"We are determined to give slope safety an even higher priority in the coming We will be providing $1.3 billion to accelerate the review of potentially hazardous slopes and to upgrade their stability. We expect this programme to be completed by 2000.

"We have recruited three outstanding international experts to provide the best technical advice on our slope safety. This new Technical Review Board has already begun its work.

"We have adopted a comprehensive package of practical measures to redress the risk of landslides. These include greater priority for slopes close to busy roads and footpaths, identification of all those responsible for the safety of man-made slopes and closer monitoring of our drainage systems," Mr Patten said.

End/Wednesday, October 11, 1995

Positive steps to curb drug abuse

The Government would continue to be vigilant against crime and to take positive steps to combat drug abuse, especially among the young, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said today (Wednesday).

Mr Patten said drugs had been an area of concern in the past year.

"I chaired a conference on this vital issue in March this year, and I was encouraged by the determination of all of those involved to ensure that drug abuse is not allowed to spread to the mainstream of Hong Kong society, that its spread be halted or reversed.

"To assist in the battle against drugs, we will be asking this Council to provide $350 million to establish a Beat Drugs Fund. The Fund will finance projects relating to drug abuse, preventive education, publicity, research, training, law enforcement and treatment and rehabilitation.

"These are the tools we must use to roll back drug abuse and to roll up the gangs of drug peddlers.