HC Deb 10 July 1933 vol 280 cc745-6
29. Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the Bill published by the Hong Kong Government, to be cited as the Foreshore and Sea-bed Works Ordinance, and particularly to the nature of the works it is proposed to take power to carry out as set out in Clause 2, Sub-sections (1) and (2) of the proposed Bill and also to Clause 6 of the proposed Bill, which provides that all public and private rights of access, user, and otherwise in relation to the foreshore, sea-bed, or land accupied by such works shall be deemed to be extinguished; and, in view of the danger to British interests which may arise from the repercussions of such Bill if passed into law, will he state whether he has taken, or proposes to take, any action in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

I have received from the Governor of Hong Kong the Bill of an Ordinance entitled the Hong Kong Foreshore and Sea Bed Works Ordinance, and I have also received representations in this country in regard to it. As a result of correspondence with the Governor, certain amendments in the Bill have already been made. The matter is still under consideration.

Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

Before my right hon. Friend consents to the introduction of this Bill, will be consider the very far-reaching nature of its provisions and the possibility of repercussions on British interests already existing?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

All those matters are being considered. I think my hon. Friend perhaps does not appreciate the fact that, so far as Hong Kong is concerned, what this does is to give a general power subject to very special conditions as to compensation, notice, and so on, instead of having a whole series of special ordinances whenever a small bit of work has to be done at the harbour.

Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is just those general powers which are looked upon with some doubt and fear? Perhaps he will be able to answer a question in connection with the scheme of work that the Government have in view?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I certainly will at any time answer those questions. I am in consultation with the China Association and other parties, but I am certain that no one need have the least apprehension that the Hong Kong Government have any intention of using this Bill for any revolutionary purpose.