TNAG-1854-FCO40-2629-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 82

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 15 February 1989

香港立法局

一九八九年二月十五日

27

office buildings. And the Government, through its town planning system, is facilitating the operation of that market.

MR. MCGREGOR: Sir, would the Secretary concede that with so much of our industry moving into China the pressure on industrial floor space is very much less than it was a few years ago, given also the fact that previously we had 930 000 industrial workers at the high point, compared with only 850 000 workers and more industrial space that we now have?

SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: Certainly, Sir, there is evidence to that effect.

MR. ANDREW WONG: Sir, is the Secretary prepared to consider the possibility of earmarking lots in the New Territories, particularly in the new towns, simply for office accommodation and nothing else, that would ease our traffic problems as a side benefit?

SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: Certainly, Sir.

Wastage and vacancy rates of police officers.

6. MISS LEUNG asked: In the light of recent statements made by the Commissioner of Police, will Government give details of the current wastage and vacancy rates for police officers, and advise whether it is satisfied with the rate of recruitment into the force?

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, during 1988 1 639 officers left the Police Force, comprising 180 officers at the inspectorate level or above, and 1 459 members of the rank and file. The wastage rate in 1988 was 6%. This compares with a 5.4% in the rest of the Civil Service.

The vacancy rate at present is less than 1% compared to a figure of 5% for the rest of the Civil Service. There are currently 31 vacant inspectorate posts out of a total of 2 362, and 130 vacant junior officer posts out of a total of 27 395.