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Cost of additional security measures
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The major expense of security measures at the border has been for the Garrison. The cost to Hong Kong when the existing Defence Costs Agreement was signed in 1975 was $588 million per annum. Reinforcement began in mid-1979 and the additional cost was estimated at $285 million per annum. new agreement, which provides for the enlargement of the Garrison by one Infantry battalion and certain other smaller elements, will come into effect in 1981 when Hong Kong's contribution will rise to over $1,400 million. The new Garrison will comprise 3 Gurkha battalions and 2 British battalions, with support arms.
The need to maintain a high level of anti-illegal immigration operations has placed a considerable strain on several branches of the Government service. The additional burden on the Police has inevitably to some extent detracted from the strength available for regular anti-crime duties; an average of 1,000 police officers are deployed on anti-illegal immigration duties every day. In view of the increased commitments of the Marine Police in particular, the Government has agreed in principle to a ten-year programme to expand the fleet by 24 vessels, as well as replacing 34 existing vessels. The Prisons Department, which in 1979 had to divert considerable resources to looking after Vietnamese refugees, has had to deal with a new commitment in the increasing number of illegal immigrants who were originally from Vietnam but subsequently resettled in China, and have come on to Hong Kong.
In the past, only the immediate border was patrolled. Subsequently the military was required to extend its areas of patrol and the depth and thoroughness of its patrol coverage. As a result, more accommodation, observation posts and other facilities have had to be provided. Other major expenses include
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