TNAG-2212-FCO40-3172-Hong-Kong-annual-report-for-1990-1991 — Page 58

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most major companies in the private sector.

Resignation

rates at the directorate and senior management/professional

levels were below 2 per cent. Nonetheless, the ability of

the private sector to offer better terms and conditions has

made certain grades susceptible to higher wastage. Some

grades have also lost staff through emigration. Measures to

ensure the retention of adequate experience and expertise in these grades are under consideration.

54. In October 1990, a new civil service housing package

was introduced. The main objectives of the new package are

to make more effective use of resources and to encourage

home ownership among civil servants. Staff response towards the new package was very favourable as indicated by the large number of applications (over 6,500) received during

the first months after the introduction of the package.

55.

There can be no doubt that concern about the future and

the related issues of nationality and pensions, together with the additional demands being made on their services,

have affected civil servants' morale. Civil servants have

aired their grievances during the year but the standard of

public services has remained high.

XII

LAW AND ORDER

56.

During 1990, the total number of reported crimes

increased by 8 per cent, with armed robberies and theft of

vehicles causing the greatest local concern. The crime rate increased by over 7 per cent. The smuggling of

electrical appliances, vehicles, etc into China also

increased sharply. In response, new legislation was introduced to enhance enforcement action against smuggling,

whilst cooperation was stepped up with the Chinese

authorities to tackle the problem.

57.

The fight against organised crime continues. Stricter

ALAAEV/18

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