§ 4. Dr. CLAYTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the municipal corporation of Shanghai has yet been consulted as to the future of the district court in that city.
§ Mr. EDENAs stated by the Prime Minister on the 16th November, His Majesty's Minister will keep in touch with the leading members of the British community at Shanghai, including, of course, the British members of the Municipal Council, but I have no information as to whether any such conversations have yet taken place. My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary has, however, just received, through the China Association in London, a statement which is understood to incorporate views of the municipal authorities. This statement is now under consideration.
§ 6. Mr. KIRKPATRICKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1594 whether he will insist upon the municipal council of Shanghai retaining control of the judicial police so as to prevent abuses in connection with the resistance to execution of judgments?
§ Mr. EDENIn dealing with the question of the special district court, due account will certainly be taken of the importance of points such as that to which my hon. Friend calls attention.
§ 7. Mr. NUNNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the agreement governing the district court in Shanghai will expire early next year, he is taking steps to formulate a plan which will assist in ensuring the establishment of a court acceptable both to the foreign and the Chinese interests in Shanghai?
§ Mr. EDENAs I explained in answer to questions on the 5th December, the question of the special district court at Shanghai is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to the nature of the steps which are being taken.
Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANWill the hon. Gentleman tell us whether there was any of this trouble with the old mixed court?