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compared with 15,841 in 1989.

Of particular concern was the

increase in the number of illegal immigrants found on

construction sites.

61. In November, the Hong Kong Government increased the

penalties for those who knowingly employed illegal

immigrants, and introduced a new offence for main

contractors who allowed illegal immigrants to be present on

construction sites. As these measures take effect, the

number of illegal immigrants arrested and imprisoned is

expected to decline in the course of 1991. Given that

illegal immigrants constitute 37 per cent of the prison

population, which is already 39 per cent over capacity at

present, these measures should also reduce overcrowding.

62. In December, the police began to take over

responsibility from the Army for stopping illegal immigrants

from crossing the Hong Kong-China border. The Army is expected to hand over to the police full responsibility for

the control of illegal immigration on the border by the end

of 1992.

63.

Pay rises for junior officers were announced in

September and led to a welcome increase in the number of

people applying to join the Police Force. Smaller rises for

senior police personnel were likewise announced in December.

XIII CONCLUSION

64.

1990 saw a slow but steady return to normality after the difficulties of 1989. It was also a year of far-reaching constitutional and political change as the Basic Law was promulgated and the territory began to prepare for the first direct elections to the Legislative Council. At this crucial juncture, Her Majesty's Government remain fully committed to their obligations to Hong Kong under the Joint Declaration and will continue to do all they

can to ensure a prosperous and stable future for the

ALAAEV/20

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