TNAG-1734-FCO40-2447-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 346

1394

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 11 May 1988

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, I have noted with interest the points made by Members in respect of juvenile delinquency. This is something which all societies face in varying degrees, and it seems to prevail particularly in intensely urban settings where, if there is a lack of guidance, proper discipline, oppor- tunity or facilities, young people are sometimes forced to fall back upon their own resources, which may be often meagre and some will inevitably gravitate towards crime, and towards gang and triad involvement.

It is unfortunately a fact that juvenile crime in the seven to 15 years age group in Hong Kong rose by 64 per cent between 1983 and 1987, although the number of crimes committed by young offenders aged between 16 and 20 dropped by 6 per cent. Shop thefts and miscellaneous thefts and serious assaults were the main offences, a large proportion of which took place in the new towns.

In my own policy area the response by the Government has been in two directions: first, to encourage young people to play a meaningful part in the community, and thereby to help them to steer clear of delinquency, by means of schemes and organisations which encourage young people to develop their own abilities and character, while at the same time offering a valuable service to the community. Amongst these, I would include the cadet schemes of the Civil Aid Services, the Junior Police Call and the Junior Leaders of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers). Thought is also being given to the introduction of a cadet scheme for young people wishing to serve in the Auxiliary Medical Services.

The second mode of response has been through the Fight Crime Committee and its Standing Committee on Young Offenders, and Research Sub- Committee. These meet regularly to discuss problems relating to juvenile delinquency, and have identified a number of further measures to be introduced this year. These include a scheme of renunciation of triad membership; a package of teaching materials for use in schools warning students of the dangers of triad involvement; outward bound courses to help rehabilitate young offen- ders; and extensive publicity campaigns warning against involvement with triads and discouraging shop theft. In this context, the Fight Crime Committee is keen to receive comments on the measures which it has adopted and welcomes any suggestions on ways to alleviate the problem of juvenile delinquency.

However, I accept that these measures upon which I have touched very briefly can, at best, constitute but two facets of a many sided subject on which Members have spoken imaginatively and comprehensively. If, as a result of these deliberations and consultation on the Report on Youth Policy, there emerges a greater degree of benefit for the youth of Hong Kong it will be time and effort well spent.

Sir, I support the motion.

SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION: Sir, in the course of this debate, several Members referred to the pervasive influence of the broadcasting industry on our young people.