ENG-1961 — Page 114

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

85

sections, Training, Excise, Industry, Marine, Land, New Territories, Special (Anti-Narcotics) and Headquarters. Each section is under the charge of a Senior Revenue Inspector.

The strength of the Service's eight launches increased by one during the year with the addition of a new fast 18-foot water-jet launch. This launch has already proved its worth in combatting smugglers, particularly those working close inshore. Four new launches were ordered to replace older craft, and one of these was delivered during the year.

Officers of the Service searched 5,445 ocean-going vessels and 17,601 small craft within and without the harbour limits, and the nine launches patrolled for a total of 16,782 hours during the year. Six hundred and ninety nine aircraft were inspected and 22,072 freight packages examined, of which 1,275 were detained for pay- ment of duty. Land patrol vehicles linked to headquarters by radio telephone increased their activities during the year and more seizures of smuggled tobacco and illicit stills were made.

Seizures of narcotics during the year numbered 50; the largest single seizure amounting to 218 lbs, was found concealed in tins in a water tank on board an ocean-going vessel. Six hundred and fifty six ships were guarded throughout their stay in harbour, having arrived from ports from which narcotics were known to be exported.

The Preventive Service took action on 61 cases of infringement of the Merchandise Marks Ordinance, and articles seized included shirts, bronze cutlery, watches and watch components, pirated books and other printed matter. In all cases the offending articles were confiscated by the courts.

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION

There is a Hong Kong Government Office in London, adminis- tered by a Director, and situated in Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, WC2. The Hong Kong Government Trade Representative in Australia has his office at Kembla Building, Margaret Street, Sydney, NSW.

Among Commonwealth countries India is represented in Hong Kong by a Commissioner, and Britain, Australia, Canada, New