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With the gradual closure of the VM camps, the service of most of the staff in VM camps will no longer be required. The regular staff and the Common Grades staff will be posted back to penal institutions to fill existing and anticipated vacancies. The General Grades staff will either be absorbed by the CSD or returned to the central government. The VM staff and the technical grades staff will be absorbed by the CSD as far as possible. Those who wish to continue working in the Civil Service will be helped to find job placements; they will be given priority for appointment if they are found suitable to fill the vacancies. Those who do not wish to work in the Civil Service will be offered retirement on abolition-of-office terms. The staff have been fully briefed on these arrangements.

To reduce the number of surplus staff, the CSD has been actively recruiting VM staff to join the regular stream, subject to their willingness and suitability. Over the years, a total of 171 VM staff have Efforts to been appointed to similar ranks in the regular stream. encourage the rest of the VM staff to apply to switch will continue.

In line with the normal practice in the Civil Service, VM staff who wish to apply to work in the regular stream will follow the same basic application procedure as for new recruits. If they fulfil the basic entry requirements and are found suitable by the Department, we will accept them readily. We have examined the transfer arrangements carefully. There is no need to change the existing arrangements given the ongoing successful transfer of a large number of VM staff to the regular stream.

Escape of prisoners

Following is a question by the Hon James To Kun-sun and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Security, Mrs Carrie Yau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In regard to the escape of prisoners from correctional institutions, will the Government inform this Council of:

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