§ 21. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has made representations to the Chinese Government with regard to the increase of piracy along the Chinese coast; and whether he is taking any steps to ensure the safety of British commerce?
Mr. A. HENDERSONRepresentations have repeatedly been made to the Chinese authorities with regard to the increase in piracy along the China coast in recent years, and His Majesty's Minister has instructions to keep the matter before the Chinese Government with a view to their taking effective suppressive measures. There has not, so far as my information goes, been any deterioration in the situation in recent months. The problem of securing the safety of British commerce in this respect is one which is constantly in view. The hon. and gallant Member will have noticed that in the recent case of the Steamship "Haiching" two of His Majesty's ships were instrumental in saving the vessel.