§ 25. Sir E. CORNWALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as the result of the restoration to a German and a naturalised German of the licences of the two chief hotels in Hong Kong, which had been refused by the licensing board, the whole of the unofficial members of the latter have resigned; and if he can state what are the reasons which induced the Government to restore the licences?
§ The SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the places of the resigning members were filled by one unofficial member of the Executive Council, two unofficial members of the Legislative Council,, and one other leading merchant who-quickly came forward to fill their places. As regards the last part of the question I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Gentleman on the 4th of January.
§ Sir H. CRAIKCan my right hon. Friend supplement his previous reply, which did not contain any reason, by giving some of the reasons which induced the Government to overturn the decision of the unofficial members?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe only information I have on the subject was conveyed by a telegram in answer to a message sent by myself, but I have no doubt I shall have further information subsequently. I should like to assure the House that, as far as I know there is no one less likely to be influenced by pro-German sympathies than Sir Francis May, Governor of Hong Kong.