§ 10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the 6 Colonies whether the Ordinance brought into force in Hong Kong to permit the flogging of strikers is permanent or temporary; if the latter, for how long it will remain in force; and whether his approval of this Ordinance has been given?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)No Ordinance has been passed in Hong Kong which permits the flogging of strikers: flogging is only permitted under the recent Ordinance as a punishment for intimidation by violence and other grave offences. I do not know whether the Ordinance is of a permanent or temporary character, but when it is received in this country that aspect of the matter will be fully considered.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman report when this document is received?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI doubt very much whether we are likely to receive this Ordinance before the House rises. It was enacted by the Hong Kong Legislative Council as an emergency measure only on 1st July, and probably it will not be here until the end of the second week in August.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI do not complain of that; but I shall be glad to be informed.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONHas the hon. Gentleman any information as to how many people, if any, have been flogged?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes; we have had an intimation from the Governor that none has been flogged. The object of the Ordinance is to prevent outrage rather than to inflict punishment.