ENG-1959 — Page 102

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

products under certificates of origin and Commonwealth Preference certificates are among the duties of the Preventive Service. This is the uniformed and disciplined enforcement branch of the Com- merce and Industry Department. Its tasks are many and varied, but in the main the Service is concerned with the protection of revenue accruing from goods which are dutiable. Other responsi- bilities include the prevention, in co-operation with the Police Force, of illicit traffic in narcotics. The presence of over 20,000 small craft in the waters of the Colony and the long rugged coast- line impose their own peculiar problems and difficulties, in addi- tion to those normally encountered in a major seaport.

The reorganization of the Service was completed during 1959 and the numerous vacancies were, to a very large extent, filled. Of 117 new appointments made during the year, 36 were ex-Naval Dockyard personnel, while 28 were formerly employed in various military establishments in the Colony.

Further changes were made during 1959 in the general organiza- tion of the Service which now comprises a Chief Preventive Officer, a Deputy Chief Preventive Officer, two Assistant Chief Preventive Officers, an inspectorate of 205 and 268 other ranks. A system of 'ship-guards' was introduced during the year for the purpose of providing an improved control over narcotics. This necessitated an increase of 126 posts.

The allocation of duties between the two major branches of the Service, the 'Inspection Branch' and 'Operations Branch', was modified during the year. !

Control over the sea lanes is carried out by a fleet of five patrol launches and one fast pursuit launch, while a new harbour launch was commissioned during the year for transporting per- sonnel between ship and shore.

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION

There is a Hong Kong Government Office in London, adminis- tered by a Director and situated in Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, W.C. 2. The Hong Kong Section of the British Embassy, Tokyo, will be closed and absorbed within the Embassy by 31st March 1960.