XN000022-1997-03-19 — Page 70

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The answers to the four parts of this question are as follows -

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

the average monthly traffic accidents occurring on Tuen Mun Highway when police patrol was strengthened was 28.5 cases;

the average monthly traffic accidents occurring on Tuen Mun Highway from 26 July 1995 to 28 February 1997 was 23.7 cases;

comparing (a) and (b) above, we do not see any relationship between extra road patrols and occurrence of traffic accidents; and

instead of setting up a highway patrol unit in the Traffic Branch of the Police Force, it is considered that the current practice of flexible deployment of Police officers to patrol both highways and other roads is more effective and should continue. In this connection, Members may wish to note that we will create 150 new Police posts in the coming financial year to improve traffic enforcement and control and provide sufficient coverage to highways and most major roads.

Employment of temporary staff by USD and RSD

Following is a question by the Hon Leung Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr W K Lam, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding the employment of temporary short-term contract staff by the Urban Services Department (USD) and the Regional Services Department (RSD), will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

of the respective numbers of temporary staff employed by USD and RSD on short-term contracts over the past three years, and the respective proportions of such staff to the total numbers of staff members in these two departments;

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