TNAG-1857-FCO40-2632-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 70

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

12 July 1989

香港立法局————————— 一九八九年七月十二日

18

It is true that the Director of Education may require a student who has taken part in processions, propaganda or political activities to be expelled from school. This power, however, has never been invoked.

However, since there appears to be a misconception that the Education Regulations prohibit political activity of any kind in schools, there is a case for reviewing them to make it clear that political activities are in order, so long as the welfare and interests of students are safeguarded. This will be included in our current review of the Education Ordinance and Regulations, and I hope we could reach a view before too long.

Tai A Chau detention centre

6. MR. TIEN asked: With the emergency use of Tai A Chau as a detention centre for Vietnamese boat people, will Government inform this Council what measures are being taken:

(a) to prevent deterioration of the natural environment on the island;

(b) to protect local inhabitants' livestock and fish resources;

(c) to ensure the safety of the comparatively few police officers stationed on

the island, bearing in mind the large number of boat people and the potential for unrest; and

(d) to ensure effective policing of the island, so that those who commit

offences are identified and properly dealt with according to law?

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, basic facilities such as water tanks and generators have been installed on Tai A Chau which is continuing to be used as a temporary holding centre for Vietnamese boat people. The conditions on the island are far from satisfactory. The boat people are intended to be held in transit only and to be moved to alternative accommodation when available. Unfortunately the continuing arrivals of large numbers of Vietnamese make it unlikely that the use of the island can be relinquished in the near future.

The main environmental threat to the island arises from the large numbers of people currently detained there and the absence of waste collection, disposal facilities, proper sewage and drains. Police have tried to mobilize the boat