ENG-1971 — Page 258

188

THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES

reconnaissance squadron, to be based in Kowloon, is in the process of being formed. The regiment is fully mobile, and its role is to operate in support of the regular Army battalions stationed in Hong Kong, with tasks which make special use of the Volunteers' detailed knowledge of the Colony and its people. There is also a Junior Leaders Squadron which is a non-military organisation aiming to provide a further outlet for the energies of young people in Hong Kong and so develop self-confidence and community respon- sibility. It has a current strength of 135 boys between the ages of 14 and 17.

The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force has a strength of 92 volunteer members and operates three Alouette helicopters. The four Auster aircraft operated in recent years were replaced in 1971 by two Beechcraft Musketeer primary trainers. In addition, a Britten-Norman Islander twin-engined aircraft has been acquired, which will be used for advanced flying training, aerial photography, mapping, and other tasks. The main functions of the unit are internal security, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, aero- medical services and conveyance of government officers to remote areas. A 24-hour emergency call service is also provided and over 100 casualty evacuation flights were carried out during the year.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES CORPS

The Essential Services Corps comprises four autonomous services -the units of the Essential Services Corps proper, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Civil Aid Services and the Auxiliary Fire Service.

The Essential Services Corps proper is made up of 69 units which can be mobilised during civil disorder to maintain public utilities and other essential services under circumstances in which the security of the Colony or the health of the population might be seriously endangered. It provides an integral and essential part of defence planning. About half the 11,000 strong Corps is formed from government departments and the other half from commercial organisations. Each unit is principally staffed by a restricted number of volunteers employed by the departments or organisations con- cerned. On the call-out of units, members of the Corps undertake, under a disciplinary code, special obligations in return for which they are entitled to substantial benefits appropriate to the abnormal conditions of service. Comprehensive plans for the operation of each essential service in times of civil disorder are constantly under review in co-ordination with the police and military.