§ 30. Earl CASTLE STEWARTasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to make any further statement with regard to the proposed mission to Hong Kong to inquire into the question of Hong Kong currency?
§ Dr. SHIELSIt has been arranged that a mission shall proceed to Hong Kong forthwith to inquire into the currency system of that Colony and report. The members of the mission will be Mr. W. H. Clegg, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, and Mr. P. H. Ezechiel, C.M.G., one of the Crown Agents for the Colonies, with Mr. G. L. M. Clauson, 0.B.E., of the Colonial Office, as Secretary. Mr. Ezechiel and Mr. Clauson will leave for Hong Kong to-morrow, and Mr. Clegg will meet them at Singapore, whence they will proceed together to Hong Kong. The Commission will report to my Noble Friend, and action will not be taken upon their recommendations until the Government of Hong Kong has been further consulted. Should it appear desirable also to consult other interests, this will be done.
§ Earl CASTLE STEWARTCan the Under-Secretary of State say whether the mission will be empowered to consult the Chinese Government and British traders in China, seeing that the question concerns depreciation of silver currencies?
§ Dr. SHIELSI have no doubt that the mission will take into account all relevant considerations, but it is solely concerned with the currency of Hong Kong.