HC Deb 05 December 1932 vol 272 cc1221-2
11. Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the future of the District Court of Shanghai?

12. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has ascertained the wishes of the Municipal Council of Shanghai regarding changes in the composition and status of the Shanghai District Court when the present agreement expires on the 31st March?

13. Mr. PETHERICK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the many complaints of interference with the judges of the present District Court of Shanghai; and whether the British representative has put forward proposals for reform?

16. Mr. KIRKPATRICK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that, in anticipation of the present agreement expiring next March, the Chinese are framing a list of desiderata for the new Shanghai District Court which are designed to eliminate the checks on the court's action which the Shanghai Municipal Council still possess; and whether this Government are considering taking any action in the matter?

19. Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the complaints made of obstruction and delay in securing judgments in the present district court of Shanghai and with regard to the competence and experience of the judges; and what action the Government is taking to secure reforms?

Mr. EDEN

My right hon. Friend is aware of the various complaints that have been made regarding the working of the court, and fully recognises the importance of the matter. I understand that the Chinese Government have the terms of the existing agreement under consideration. My hon. Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will do everything possible to secure the fullest protection for the British interests involved, whether these depend on the terms of the court agreement or on other factors affecting the administration of justice.

Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this agreement expires in a very short time, and does he not think that negotiations should be put in hand at once so that conclusions can be come to in ample time?

Mr. EDEN

I quite agree that the negotiations have to be concluded by April next, and I can assure my hon. Friend that we are not in any way wasting time.

Sir A. KNOX

Will the Government consult the Municipal Council of Shanghai and ascertain their views?

Mr. EDEN

That is covered in the answer which I gave, in which I said that we will do everything possible. That certainly includes consultation with the Municipal Council of Shanghai.

Mr. KIRKPATRICK

Will the Government see that we take a lead of all the other nations in this matter?

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