Not official survey
I refer to Shalini Mahtani's letter (South China Morning Post, May 22) concerning a recent telephone opinion survey conducted by the Home Affairs Bureau.
The Home Affairs Bureau conducts regular bi-monthly telephone opinion surveys to monitor public opinion trends in respect of perceived problems in Hong Kong. From time to time, the surveys include ad hoc, informal questions about selected topics outside the normal range of issues.
The findings of our regular surveys are made for the public. But the responses to ad hoc questions are purely for our internal reference. They help us to obtain a 'feel' for how the public regards the particular issue.
Having said this, however, it appears that Ms Mahtani must have been canvassed by a non-governmental survey. None of our exercises have included questions - ad hoc or otherwise - as to whether the Government should legislate against racial discrimination.
WILLIAM TSUI
for Secretary for Home Affairs
