§ 2. Viscount CURZONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British subjects are allowed to buy and own land and other forms of property in Japan?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)Existing land laws are such that British subjects are debarred from buying and owning land in Japan. If "other forms of property" refers to mining rights or shares in certain domestic companies, the answer is in the negative. If, however, the Noble Lord refers to the ownership of houses, factories, warehouses and other premises on leasehold property, the answer is in the affirmative.
§ Viscount CURZONMay I ask whether Japanese subjects are subject to similar restrictions at Hong Kong?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThat is a question which ought to be addressed to the Colonial Office.