TNAG-0396-FCO40-442-Problem-of-increase-in-crime-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 120

sent to prison, since it is likely that the courts would prefer

to send offenders to a training centre rather than to prison,

if given the choice.

33. If this happened, the favourable impact which the

section has made on public opinion might be largely dissipated.

On the other hand, there is much to be said for keeping the

youngest group of offenders out of prison if possible, and it

is suggested that a training centre should be available for an

offender over 13 and under 16, but only if the Commissioner

certifies that the youngster is suitable for a detention centre

and that a place is not available for him in one.

34. It has been argued that corporal punishment would

be an appropriate alternative mandatory punishment. It is

likely that this would be welcomed by magistrates, as providing

a sharp punishment for youngsters who might be scared, rather

than deterred, by a prison sentence. It is thought that this

would be regarded as an acceptable alternative by the public,

which tends to believe that this kind of punishment has a

powerful deterrent effect on young men.

MATTERS OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION.

35. In order to deal with the backlog of serious criminal

cases, the Chief Justice is arranging for a suitable number of

Commissioners of the Supreme Court to be appointed, in order

to reduce the delay in trying cases at this level.

36. So far as the District Court is concerned, the Chief

Justice has applied for the creation of two additional posts

of District Judge. It is hoped that these will be approved by

the Establishment Sub-Committee in the near future.

37. Honourable Members will recall that one of the major

recommendations of the Chinese Language Committee was that steps

should be taken, whenever possible, to arrange for Cantonese

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