TNAG-1857-FCO40-2632-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 61

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

香港立法局

·九八九年七月十二日

12 July 1989

9

investigations frequently uncovered other offences associated with the corruption. These investigations often take considerable time to complete and contribute to the high caseload which the Operations Department carries forward from year to year.

Altogether the number of persons prosecuted as a result of investigations by the department was 404, 21% less than in 1987. The conviction rate remained high at 76%. In addition 165 persons were cautioned rather than prosecuted for their offences.

The Corruption Prevention Department, which examines practices and procedures so as to reduce opportunities for corruption, completed 70 reports involving government departments and public bodies during the year. Of particular interest was that, at the same time the number of requests private sector companies made to the department for advice on anti-corruption measures, increased by 44% to 114.

The trends in respect of the private sector reflect, I believe, the successful efforts of the Community Relations Department, which is responsible for educating the public against corruption to encourage people to report their suspicions to the commission, rather than an indication of more corrupt activity in the private sector. During the year the department continued to use every channel available to get this message across in respect of corruption in both the public and the private sectors. The department's success in this respect has been well confirmed by public opinion surveys.

Finally, the commissioner has drawn attention in the report to the great help and advice given during the year by the various advisory committees to the commission.

Oral answers to questions

Consumer protection against emigration counsellors

1. MR. PETER WONG asked: Sir, will Government inform this Council what consumer protection measures, if any, are taken to protect Hong Kong people who wish to seek assistance from emigration specialists who hawk their skills and wares for reward in Hong Kong?