TNAG-0573-FCO40-706-Monitoring-of-progress-made-on-planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 179

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undertaking, given to me nearly 31⁄2 years ago, to create an operations unit capable of detecting corruption in Hong Kong and of bringing it to justice. When he retires

next January he will have rounded off a career of great distinction with an

exceptionally difficult assignment exceptionally well done.

The attack on corruption will continue inexorably. There will be no

relaxation, no let up, until this problem is behind us, and I know that no one

here would have it otherwise.

But this process of detection and punishment must be accompanied increasingly by prevention and education, and now that the Government's determination

to stamp out corruption is so amply proved there is a much better prospect of

achieving results in these preventive fields. Thus Mr. Cater will now place increasing

emphasis on the work of his other two departments for Community Relations and Corruption Prevention.

Inevitably such a potent and active organisation has provoked criticism.

Broadly this is to the effect firstly that it should be concerned with the present and the future rather than the past except in major cases; secondly, that it should be concerned with major offences rather than minor ones; and

thirdly that it should be concerned with the public rather than the private sector.

The short answer is that these are precisely what its priorities are. But the law

leaves the Commissioner little discretion. He must investigate complaints brought,

and when satisfied that a case exists submit it to the Attorney General. It is

up to the Attorney General and his office to decide what further action is

appropriate, and the Attorney General will be developing his thinking on this

later in the debate.

Those who still have any doubts should realise that the winds of change

are blowing against them. Amongst some of our neighbours these practices of former

days have already been swept away, and in other parts of the world one sees growing pressure for straightforward dealing in private as well as public life. It is true that

there is no easy or painless way, but Hong Kong's course is clear. The Independent Commission is having marked success, it commands the population, and all of us devoutly wish it quick success so that we can put the

past behind us.

support of the