TNAG-1029-FCO40-1279-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 29

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VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

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GAS SAFETY

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Talks have taken place between HK and Chinese officials regarding the smuggling of guns for criminal purposes and their use by IIs to ensure their safe entry into HK, and appropriate measures are being taken by both sides. The Police are aware of the increased involvement of IIs (i.e. any who had arrived since January 1978) in crimes and extra efforts are being made to root them out. The recent bombings were for criminal rather than political motives, and already one person has been prosecuted for extorting money from the Sheraton and Plaza hotels.

37,468 resettled in 1980, 8,953 so far this year. 16,046 remain, excluding 3,092 ex-China cases. Arrivals of boat people 1 January 19 May 1981 were 3,066 (excluding 674 ex-China cases). Fears of a new mass influx reported widely by the English press. Interviewees blame bad harvests and corruption as reasons for leaving. Daily average of arrivals : 22.05 since 1 January 1981 but 41.26 since 1 May 1981.

The Government is determined to see the resettlement of all remaining VRS. Negotiations will continue with other countries to press for more quotas. As announced on May 7, VRs who refuse offers without reasonable excuse and breach centre rules will be subject to confinement and fines.

Five people died during a cold spell, February 28 March 4. A campaign urging Government action has been conducted, prominently and almost exclusively, by the SCMP for one year. The death of a 13-year old Chinese girl on April 24 aroused the first real interest by the Chinese press, who called for speedy investigations and implementation of necessary safeguards and legislation.

International consultants appointed by the Government in April are now undertaking an overall review of the local gas industry. While the subject of gas heaters will be given high priority, it is only a small part of the scope of investigative work involved. The Government is aware of potential problems involved and it is for this reason that the best consultative services available were sought. The Government is committed to making improvements, in terms of legislation and enforcement, where necessary but is equally concerned that this be done properly.

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