HC Deb 24 July 1933 vol 280 cc2212-3
20 and 21. Mr. NUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has received any report from His Majesty's Minister in China on the progress of the promised negotiations for the more efficient working of the district court at Shanghai;

(2) whether he will ensure that, in the projected negotiations for the better working of the district court at Shanghai, His Majesty's Minister in China shall avail himself at all times of the assistance of the Crown Advocate?

Mr. EDEN

No negotiations on the subject have taken place or are in contemplation. According to a report received from 'His Majesty's Minister, however, the question of carrying out the assurances which the Chinese Government gave in connection with the prolongation of the existing agreement is engaging the active attention of the Ministry of Justice. A report has been submitted to the latter by their legal adviser, and his recommendations, of which His Majesty's Government have not received any detailed information, are now being considered by the Chinese authorities. His Majesty's Minister will, of course, continue to observe the situation closely, and should he deem legal advice desirable, he will naturally avail himself of the assistance of the Crown Advocate.

Mr. NUNN

Is His Majesty's Minister taking the earliest opportunity of seeking the advice of the Crown Advocate

Mr. EDEN

I am sure that the Minister will do so if he is convinced that there is a case for it.