§ MR. W. M'LARENIn the absence of the hon. Member for the Shoreditch (Hoxton) Division, I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Contagious Diseases Acts are still in force in the Crown Colony of Fiji, although similar laws were repealed in all other Crown Colonies; whether his attention has been drawn to the continued maintenance in Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements of laws providing for the registration and regulation of brothels and of prostitutes; and whether any action has been taken by the Secretary of State with a view to the repeal of these laws?
§ MR. S. BUXTONThe Secretary of State's attention was drawn some months ago to the laws referred to in my hon. Friend's question, and he addressed Despatches to the Governors of the three Colonies concerned, suggesting the repeal of those laws. Replies have been received from the Governors of Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements, which are now being considered by the Secretary of State. The reply of the Governor of Fiji may be expected shortly, and the Secretary of State will come to a final decision in regard to these laws as soon as possible.