Budget cuts will not affect the safety and well-being of Hong Kong, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says.

Examining the estimates for 2004-2005, Mr Lee told legislators today the allocation of $27 billion on security represents 9.5% of total public expenditure. He said internal security and immigration will account for $23.5 billion, 2.9% lower than the $24.2 billion for the current financial year.

Despite the fall, Mr Lee said the departments under his purview will continue to ensure Hong Kong's security, and stressed their essential services will not be affected. They will continue to strive to meet all performance pledges.

"With our more efficient and flexible plan in deploying our resources, we will make use of the savings from our streamlined operation to introduce new or enhanced services," he said, adding Police will have a net reduction of 658 posts, but mostly in support and administrative work. However, about 90 posts will be created to strengthen frontline operations.

Boundary security to be enhanced

A facial recognition system pilot scheme at boundary control points will be introduced later this year to verify the identity of suspect arrivals and immigration offenders. The automated passenger clearance and automated vehicle clearance systems will also be rolled out in phases.

With the Individual Visit Scheme being extended to the whole of Guangdong by May, about 150 new recruits will be posted to checkpoints to cope with rising visitor arrivals.

"We will continue to improve conditions at our boundary crossings to facilitate the flow of passengers, vehicles and goods between Hong Kong and the Mainland through various means including flexible redeployment of staff, streamlining of procedures, improvement works and use of technology," he said.

$45m to replace fire-fighting equipment

To meet new service requirements, new fire stations-cum-ambulance depots will be commissioned through flexible redeployment of resources. A replacement fireboat will also be commissioned in December to strengthen fire and rescue capabilities in coastal waters.

"On the emergency ambulance side, we will continue to extend paramedic ambulance services to all ambulances in phases, with a view to achieving full implementation by the first quarter of 2005," Mr Lee said.

"We have earmarked $45 million for the procurement and replacement of fire appliances, ambulances and equipment to enhance our rescue capability and training facilities."

More help for crime and drug rehabilitation

The Correctional Services Department has launched a three-year publicity campaign to promote community support for rehabilitated offenders, with a provision of $4.8 million drawn from its savings.

Mr Lee said the campaign against drug abuse will also be further bolstered through the launch of the Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre in June.

"We will continue to improve our treatment and rehabilitation services to drug abusers through implementing the Third Three-year Plan on Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation Services in Hong Kong (2003-05) and monitoring the progress of the licensing scheme for drug treatment centres," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Lee said the revised 40 Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering will be implemented, and Hong Kong will continue to contribute to the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.