ENG-1992 — Page 324

PUBLIC ORDER

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places of origin. Employers of illegal immigrants, including principal contractors in the construction industry, were also prosecuted and fined and, in serious cases, custodial sentences were imposed. In addition, publicity has emphasised that there will be no amnesties.

In 1992, a total of 43 096 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated. This represents an increase of 28.01 per cent on the 33 667 in 1991.

Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offences

During the year, a total of 6 639 charges were laid against persons who had committed various immigration offences. Apart from illegal immigration, these offences included illegal remaining, breach of condition of stay, making false statements or representations, and conspiracy in the use and supply of forged documents.

Deportation and Removal

The Immigration Department is responsible for the application, issue and execution of deportation and removal orders. During the year, 6 188 persons who were convicted for possession or trafficking in dangerous drugs, deception, theft and other criminal offences were considered for deportation, and consequently 199 were deported. In addition, 4 746 persons were removed from Hong Kong under removal orders. These included 4 400 illegal immigrants and 346 persons who had breached their condition of stay.

Fire Services

It was again a busy and eventful year for the Fire Services Department which responded to 27 810 fire calls, 17 056 special service calls, 251 058 emergency and 172 924 non-emergency ambulance calls.

The fires caused 43 deaths and 573 people injured, including 32 firemen. A total of 22 347 people were rescued by Fire Services personnel during the year.

Fire Prevention

The department is responsible for formulating and enforcing fire safety regulations. It also advises and assists the community on fire protection measures and abatement of fire hazards. Besides updating and reviewing existing fire safety legislation and Codes of Practice, the Fire Protection Bureau places great emphasis on public education concerning fire prevention. In addition to a major publicity campaign, fire officers gave 409 lectures/ talks during the year to a total audience of 17965 from different sectors of the community, including students. These were supplemented by exhibitions and demons- trations aimed at educating the public on fire safety. The department is also responsible for research on matters associated with fire safety. A total of 5 018 fire hazard complaints were received from members of the public in 1992. There is a growing public concern about fire hazards and an increasing awareness of the services provided by the department. Fire Services personnel made 74 489 inspections of all types of premises and issued 4 473 abatement notices for the removal of fire hazards. There were 523 prosecutions during the year for non-compliance with abatement notices and for summonses, resulting in fines amounting to about $1.8 million. Furthermore, direct prosecutions on obstruction to means of escape and indiscriminate blocking of fire exits in buildings amounted to 210 convictions with total fines of $0.8 million.