§ 30. Miss PICTON-TURBERVILLasked the Under-Secretary of State for 479 the Colonies whether any steps have been taken towards the abolition of the muitsai system in Penang?
§ Dr. SHIELSI invite my hon. Friend's attention to the Governor's recent report, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.
§ Miss PICTON-TURBERVILLDoes that report deal with Penang or Hong-Kong?
§ Dr. SHIELSIt is an account of the conditions in the Straits Settlements, of which Penang is one. I would point out that there is nothing remaining now of the mui-tsai system in the Straits Settlements except the name.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that the mui-tsai are not merely legally free, but that there is a system of registration similar to that in Hong-Kong?
§ Dr. SHIELSNo, there is no registration, hut there is a mui-tsai ordinance which provides for these girls complete legal freedom.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODBut does not the hon. Gentleman know that in Hong-Kong they had legislation which was not acted on until registration was introduced?
§ Miss PICTON-TURBERVILLWill the hon. Gentleman be prepared to study some documents which I wish to show him which seem to contradict the reply he has given?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, if the hon. Lady will likewise undertake to study the document to which I have referred.