TNAG-0111-FCO40-147-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1969 — Page 186

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is, as stated in your report, that detainees are free to wear their own clothing, but where they have inadequate clothing of their own the authorities will supply the deficiency. It is understood that some time ago the Social Welfare Department was approached by a delegation from the Federation of Trade Unions with a request that they should arrange for clothing provided by the Chinese Red Cross to be handed over to convicted prisoners in Stanley Prison. The delegation were told on that occasion that it was open to them to approach the Prisons Department direct with their request, but pe they did not, so far as we know, in fact do so, and no clothing has been received by the Hong Kong Government from the Chinese Red Cross for distribution to prisoners. I should add that, if clothing were handed over for this purpose, prison regulations would not allow of its being distributed to prisoners, though they could receive it on discharge, since all prisoners are required to wear official prison uniform, an adequate issue of which is provided.

c.c. D. S. B.

AT/apr

(Alastair Todd)

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