TNAG-0847-FCO40-1057-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-th-1979 — Page 107

- 2 -

Medical Services

Comprehensive public health programme to control endemic diseases, e.g. tuberculosis. Infant mortality, the birth and death rates on a part with Western European countries. 4.4 hospital beds per 1,000 ̊ population. Estimated 50,000 drug addicts.

Housing

Subsidised public housing exists for 46% of the population. Current annual rate of housing construction: 35,000 units; private sector - 30,000 units.

public sector –

LABOUR

Unemployment Rate:

2.7%

Average monthly wage:

£103

Trade union membership:

estimated 400,000, 20% of labour force

Employment of children under the age of 14 universally illegal as of 1980

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Garrison consists of four infɛntry battalions (3 Gurkha, 1 British)

with naval and air support

Establishment of Royal Hong Kong Police Force: 19,000 approx.