Supplementary to Question No. 8 in
the Legislative Council Meeting on 13.11.85
Mrs. Rosånna Tam :-Sir, may I ask how serious, based on available information,
is young people's involvement in these triad activities?
triads are
The Attorney General :-Sir, it's not thought to be a fact that
successful in recruiting school children. There have obviously been attempts
to do so but indications are that these are relatively few and far between
and do not present a major problem. Teenage gangs exist and in some cases
they adopt the names of triad societies for the purposes of instilling fear
among rivals or potential victims. They are not true triads, however. They
do not undergo initiation rites or use the triad paraphernalia. Indeed they
can hardly be described as societies at all. But as in so many cases, however,
to the victim who is the subject of extortion or protection rackets this is an
academic distinction. The mere use of the word "triad" in context of teenage
gangs has the desired effect. So indeed there is evidence of involvement of
young people in triad related activities.
Mr. Martin Lee :-Sir, what does the Government propose to do about the statement
made by the Royal Hong Kong Police Force a few years ago that the triad activities
were then under control, when it is now acknowledged that that was not the true
position thus resulting in a loss of precious time in the fight against triads?
The Attorney General :-Sir, my answer to this Council deals with the way ahead.
My learned friend is going back into the past and I have nothing to add to the
statements that were made by the then Chief Secretary about a year ago on those
matters.
Miss Maria Tam :-Sir, looking ahead, legislative options deserve time for
careful consideration, will Government consider in the meantime revising upward
the maximum sentence applicable to triad offences or urge the Judiciary to
reflect the seriousness of the situation in their sentences?
The Attorney General :-Sir, it is not thought that the prescribed maximum
penalties are in need of urgent alteration. It is not for me, certainly,
this Council to comment upon the level of the sentences handed down by the
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