XN000022-1997-03-19 — Page 60

58 -

Unidentified gas

Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong Wai-yin and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

On 26 February 1997, an unidentified gas struck 11 schools in Tin Shui Wai and several thousands of people were affected. As it was reported that the unidentified gas was caused by a tear gas firing drill in a nearby firing range, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

of the results of the investigations into the above incident carried out by the departments concerned;

of the number of locations in the territory where the British Forces, the Police Force and the Correctional Services Department can carry out tear gas firing drills; as well as the number of drills carried out at these locations, and the number of rounds of tear gas fired during each drill, over the past three years;

how the Government assesses the effects of such drills on nearby areas and residents before the drills are conducted, and whether there are any specific rules for drill participants to observe; and

whether the Government will carry out a comprehensive review of the arrangements for conducting tear gas firing drills so as to ensure that such drills will not affect the safety of the residents living in the vicinity of the firing ranges?

Page 60Page 61