§ 22. Mr. EVERARDasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the petitions addressed to his Department from the civil servants in Hong Kong with reference to their payment on a dollar basis have been considered; and, if so, what action is being taken?
§ Dr. SHIELSMy Noble Friend has requested the Governor to inform the petitioners that he is unable in the meantime to revert to the former method of payment, but that he will review the position in the light of the Currency Commissioners' recent report, when the representations made by the petitioners will be carefully borne in mind, although no promise can be made that the decision will be varied.
§ Mr. EVERARDAs I understand that the petitions have been received, cannot they be laid on the Table of the House?
§ Dr. SHIELSI will convey that request to my Noble Friend.