§ 30. Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make an investigation as to whether, under the mui tsai system of Hong Kong, the mui tsai girls of any household do, upon the death of the owner, become the property of concubines in the household, and are disposed of by them for cash, with other elements in the estate of the deceased owner?
§ 31. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the records of the Colonial Office show that mui tsai of Hong Kong, of quite tender years, are frequently compelled to labour over 12 hours a day, and that cases have been established in the open court where these children have been forced to work up to as long as 18 and 20 hours in one day?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am glad to say that the industrial situation in Hong 1949 Kong has greatly improved since last week, but the Governor has not yet been able to answer my inquiries owing no doubt to continued pressure on the Chinese Secretariat and himself. In these circumstances I fear I must again defer the statement I had hoped to make, but hon. Members may rest assured that there will be no avoidable delay.