HC Deb 08 November 1921 vol 148 c198
24. Major BIRCHALL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received any report from the Commission set up in Hong Kong in reference to the system of mui tsai; and, if not, when he expects to receive a report?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Edward Wood)

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the Commission recently set up by the Governor to enquire into the industrial employment of children in Hong Kong and which bears no special reference to muit sai. Its report has not yet been received, but I understand that it should be available shortly.

Lieut.-Colonel J. WARD

Is there any intention whatever of moving in reference to muit sai in Hong Kong? Surely the buying and selling of children under the British flag ought to be abolished?

Mr. WOOD

If I have heard my hon. and gallant Friend rightly I do not think he could have appreciated what I said in my reply, which was that the question into which the Commission was to inquire had no reference to the question of muit sai, on which, as he knows, there is a great deal to be said.

Mr. G. MURRAY

Of whom is the Commission to be composed?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice must be given of that question.