ENG-1956 — Page 240

LAW AND ORDER

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persons, either into or out of the Colony, was recorded during 1956; this number is just over double that recorded last year. All persons entering the Colony, other than Cantonese enter- ing from the province of Kwangtung, must be in possession of valid travel documents. In addition aliens, with the excep- tion of those passing through on ships or aircraft, are re- quired to have visas. It has long been the policy to permit the maximum freedom of movement between the Colony and the province of Kwangtung, but in recent years the increas- ing number of Cantonese wishing to take up residence in the Colony has forced the Immigration Officer to impose a quota system whereby the numbers permitted to enter the Colony are governed by the numbers who go out. This system was suspended for a trial period between February and September 1956, but as the records showed that the relaxation had resulted in an increase in the Colony's popula- tion of over 56,000 the system had to be reimposed. Local residents who wish to visit China may ensure that they can return outside the quota by obtaining a re-entry permit before they leave.

PRISONS

There are now six establishments administered by the Commissioner of Prisons, with Headquarters in the Central District of Victoria.

Stanley Prison is situated on the Stanley Peninsula on the south of Hong Kong Island. It was built to accommodate 1,746 prisoners but has been overcrowded throughout the year. The main buildings consist of six three-storeyed separate cell blocks, each with 286 cells. There are separate wards for European prisoners, for prisoners under punish- ment, and for previous offenders serving periods of five years and over. There is an excellent hospital and well-equipped workshops, kitchen and laundry. 13,434 prisoners were received, the daily average number in custody being 2,461 (the daily average in 1955 was 1,665).

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