XN000022-1996-06-05 — Page 41

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Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

(c)

The landing blackspots for illegal immigrants (IIs) currently include the Western seafront, the Sai Kung Peninsula, Lau Fau Shan, Sha Tau Kok Peninsula and the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. To tackle the problems of IIs, especially those who come here to commit crimes, the Police do not simply intercept them at landing blackspots. The Police adopt a three- pronged approach to tackle the problem: prevention from entry, detection of those who evade border control and combating crime.

Chinese registered vessels entering Hong Kong waters are treated in the same way as other vessels in accordance with established international maritime law. Prior approval from the Government is not required for transit vessels. However, this does not inhibit the right of the Government to stop, search, seize or arrest vessels in the course of normal law enforcement activities. Vessels entering our waters with Hong Kong as destination are required to report to the Marine Department together with submission of the vessel document and cargo manifest upon arrival. They are required to undergo the necessary immigration and customs clearance procedures.

During the period 1993-1995, the Police stopped and searched 19,883, a19,863 and 19,279 Chinese vessels respectively; 400, 448 and 250 vessels, were found to be involved in illegal activities such as smuggling or carrying IIs in each of these three years.

End

Home Purchase Loan Scheme applications

Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung Kin-kee, and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of: