HC Deb 15 February 1926 vol 191 cc1509-10
19. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether action is being taken along the lines of any, and, if so, which of the recommendations of the first Report of the Advisory Committee on Social Hygiene, issued in 1925, as to the Straits Settlements?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir, action is being taken on the general lines suggested, but, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the fuller answer which I have had prepared for him.

Following is the answer:

I will take the Committee's recommendations seriatim. As regards the immigration of female with male Chinese, the Governor reports that the system in force is itself a direct encouragement of female immigration, and that for many years there has been a continued improvement in the sex ratio. The question of housing is receiving the constant attention of the Government and of the municipality. Education and recreational facilities have engaged the close attention of the Government for many years, and efforts will not be relaxed.

The Government has full information regarding the social and economic conditions of the poorer classes, and the suggested mixed Commission is therefore not thought necessary.

As regards medical measures, steps are being taken in organising the service on the lines suggested. Considerable facilities for free diagnosis and treatment already exist, and the accommodation for free treatment is shortly to be increased.

Finally, there are the legal and administrative recommendations. The Colonial Government aims at the disappearance of the brothel, but holds that progress must be gradual. It will be remembered that the Committee recognised immediate closing to be impracticable. In carrying out its policy the Government will give careful consideration to the suggestions and recommendations of the Committee. Close attention is being given to the suggestion for the increase of personnel and extension of the powers of the Chinese Protectorate, and provision will be made for such increases of staff as may from time to time be necessary.