§ 21. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of mui-tsai in Hong Kong now and what was the number at the end of 1932; if he will inquire into the possibility that young girls are imported as adopted daughters and other designations to evade the law; whether registration and inspection is carried out and how many 1724 inspectors are engaged in the work; and when it is intended that the system shall be abolished?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs I informed the House in July last, the mui-tsai system has been abolished in Hong Kong. The number of former mui-tsai who remained on the register on 30th November, 1931, was 3,810, and on 30th November, 1932, was 3,017. Their status is now that of free paid domestic workers. Registration ceased in 1930 and since that date it has been illegal to employ girls as mui-tsai. Efficient inspection is carried out by three inspectors.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman quite sure that mui-tsai are not being imported into Hong Kong probably under other designations than mui-tsai?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think that the system is really very satisfactory to-day, and from all accounts inspection is working very satisfactorily.
§ Mr. LUNNWhen does the right hon. Gentleman imagine we shall come to an end of this kind of slavery in Hong Kong; and what part are the British Government going to take in the centenary celebrations this year of the abolition of slavery under the British flag?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWe have already anticipated it by abolishing the system of mui-tsai.