TNAG-0678-FCO40-827-Allegations-of-corruption-and-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 74

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Written Answers

Mr. Dandy

Un. Prepour or Dim

30 MARCH 1977

Romania's livestock breeding pro- grammes. Two British seismologists have gone to Bucharest with their instruments at the Government's expense to give advice, and the Government are in close contact with the Romanian authorities about further ways in which the remain- ing money can be used to the best advantage. In addition, the Export Credits Guarantee Department has decided in principle to make available to the Romanians a special credit line of £10 million on favourable conditions. The Romanians will be able to use this additional credit to place orders with British companies to replace equipment damaged during the earthquake.

Southern Africa

24. Mr. Luce asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the purposes of his pro- posed visit to Southern Africa.

27. Mr. Peter Bottomley asked the Sec- retary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs what countries he will visit on his proposed tour of Southern Africa.

29. Mr. Molloy asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what countries he will visit during his proposed tour of Southern Africa.

31. Mr. Ioan Evans asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whom he proposes to meet on his visit to Southern Africa..

Dr. Owen: I would refer the hon. Members and my hon. Friends to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Brotherton).

Hong Kong

25. Mr. Hal Miller asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress the Hong Kong Government have made in the last 10 years in the provision of State secondary, further and higher education.

Mr. Luard: During the last 10 years the number of State and State-subsidised secondary places has been increased from 63,600 to 246,200, an increase of 287 per cent.; the number of further education places from 18,260 to 37,100, an increase of 104 per cent.; and the number of

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higher education places from 7,920 to 16,260, an increase of 105 per cent. There has been a 60 per cent. increase in the 12-21-year-old population age group during the same period.

35. Mr. James Johnson asked the Sec- retary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs upon what specific matters the Hong Kong Government estimate that graft syndicates have been receiving £125 million a year, as stated by Mr.-Jack Cater, Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption on 15th February in his address to the Rotary Club of Hong Kong.

The

Mr. Luard: The Hong Kong Govern- ment have no specific estimate. figure quoted by my hon. Friend was no more than an educated guess by the Hong Kang Commissioner Against Corruption, Mr. Cater, to indicate the gravity of the problem as it once existed and which is now being tackled vigorously.

Mr. James Johnson asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Hong Kong Govern- ment's definitions are of the nature and extent of corruption in Hong Kong since before 1973 it stated graft was virtually minimal, while at present the estimate is of some £125 million a year.

Mr. Luard: The report of Mr. Justice Blair-Kerr's Commission of Enquiry into Corruption in 1973 stated that corruption is deep-seated and long-established in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong. Govern ment accepted that this was so when they set up the Independent Commission Against Corruption. I would also refer to the answer that. I have given today to another of my hon. Friend's Questions.

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Mr. James Johnson asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many police or ex-polics witnesses have given Queen's evidence to the Crown's Law Officers in Hong Kong ; and how many have admitted using intimidation against, uncompliant 'col- take bribe leagues who would not

retainers.

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Mr. Luard: Twelve police or ex-police officers have given “Queen's Evidence in criminal proceedings in corruption cases. No police or ex-police officer has

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