§ 69. Viscountess ASTORasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he recommended last year the formation in Hong Kong of a local committee of Chinese to supervise the conditions under which children and girls who were bought were employed; whether such a committee has been formed; and whether he will see that there are at least two British members on the committee?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Edward Wood)The formation of such a Committee was recommended by Lord Milner, and there is now such a committee 1877 actively at work, composed of Chinese of high standing whose services are of the greatest value in advising the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. The latest information is that a committee of Chinese ladies has been formed to assist the above-mentioned committee. I doubt if the usefulness of this committee would be increased by the presence of British members, but I will consult the Governor.