XN000022-1995-11-08 — Page 90

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(b) The above statistics show that the number of pregnant illegal immigrants in the past two years has remained steady at around 2000 yearly. In the first nine months of 1995, there was an increase of 45%, compared with the corresponding period in 1994. The possibility of acquiring residence earlier in Hong Kong for their babies, or the availability of better medical facilities in Hong Kong could be some of the considerations which prompt II mothers to give birth in Hong Kong. The stricter control now exercised by the Chinese authorities in granting Two-Way Permits to pregnant women may also have contributed to the increase in pregnant women who seek to enter Hong Kong illegally.

(c) To prevent illegal immigrants, particularly pregnant women, from sneaking into Hong Kong, we have stepped up checks and patrols at the border areas. But the most effective solution is to tackle the problem at source. We have conveyed our concern about this problem to the Chinese authorities through various channels. We have also requested the Chinese side to tighten the issue of permits to the border area to pregnant women, and urged them to step up enforcement along the coastal areas near Hong Kong. We understand that the Chinese authorities have indeed stepped up their enforcement efforts, and have successfully intercepted 400 pregnant women from coming to Hong Kong illegally in the first eight months of this year. They have also stopped issuing border permits to pregnant women.

End/Wednesday, November 8, 1995

Proposed diesel-to-petrol scheme

Following is a question by the Hon Christine Loh and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

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