ENG-1994 — Page 373

PUBLIC ORDER

clearance at control points, the processing of applications for licences and permits, customs attendance and counter services. Most of the performance targets were achieved. Customer liaison groups

for users of services relating to air cargo, sea cargo and dutiable commodities were set up in June, August and November, respectively, to monitor the standard of services delivered.

In November, the department announced and published its second set of performance pledges. These cover new pledges for services in relation to the clearance of air passengers and improved services for the clearance of detained cargo. Performance results of the first year were also reported.

Information Technology

In 1994, the First Registration Tax Computer System was developed to support the implementation of the new tax system under the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Amendment Ordinance, which was enacted in June. This system facilitates the assessment and calculation of the first registration tax of imported vehicles for local use.

In September, the development of a Seizure Management and Inventory Control System was completed. The system maintains a database for the control and management of seizures, with a view to achieving timely disposals and savings arising from better utilisation of available storage space in government-owned properties.

Independent Commission Against Corruption

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is independent of the civil service; its Commissioner is directly responsible to the Governor. It fights corruption on three fronts: investigation, prevention and education. This work is carried out through three functional departments Operations, Corruption Prevention and Community Relations.

The ICAC received 3 600 reports alleging corruption in 1994. Of these, 2 116 reports concerned the private sector, an increase of 17 per cent compared with 1993. Another 1 383 reports were made against civil servants, an increase of one per cent. There were 101 reports against employees of public bodies, compared with 113 in 1993. The district board elections in September attracted 289 reports of election malpractices.

Some members of the public also make use of ICAC facilities to report alleged criminal activity and general grievances against government departments. In 1994, the ICAC received 2 683 non-corruption complaints, 1 351 of which (including 538 criminal allega- tions) were subsequently referred to the government departments concerned.

To enhance its responsiveness to community needs and public sentiment, the commission adopted new initiatives in 1994 to monitor the views of the public on ICAC-related issues. These included the setting up of a citizens liaison group, which provides a forum for the direct exchange of views with people who have used the ICAC's services.

Operations

The Operations Department receives and investigates reports of suspected bribery under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, election malpractices under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance, and ICAC-related offences under the ICAC Ordinance.

Of the 3 600 corruption reports received in 1994, 2 561 contained sufficient information for investigation to commence. The department's caseload was at an all-time high of 1 484

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