§ 14. Sir J. WALTONasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether any decision has been come to on the question of deporting instead of interning alien enemies at Hong Kong?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)It has been decided, with the concurrence of the Commonwealth Government, to deport to Australia the prisoners of war and women and children now interned in Hong Kong. They are expected to leave the Colony on the 15th of this month.
§ Mr. MOLTENOWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the extreme scarcity of tonnage and the vital necessity of husbanding our resources in that respect; and that no unnecessary use should be made of our tonnage for the mere transfer of persons from one part of the world to another?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have no reason to suppose that a special ship has been chartered for this purpose, but I do not know.