§ 7 and 8. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has yet received from the Chinese Government any detailed information with regard to the proposals of the Legal Adviser of the Chinese Ministry of Justice for the more efficient working of the Shanghai District Court in civil cases;
(2) whether he has received any information from the Chinese Government indicating that they are carrying out the reform of the Shanghai District Court promised by them on the prolongation of the Agreement of 1930?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir. I have received no such information. A Chinese news agency stated in December last that revision of the Code of Civil Procedure was being undertaken under the personal supervision of the Administrative Vice-Minister of the Judicial Administration and it has been stated that any measures resulting from this revision will apply also to the courts functioning in the International Settlement at Shanghai. The question is one of complexity, but His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the British interests involved and His Majesty's Minister is in close touch with the situation.
§ Sir A. KNOXAs the present agreement has less than two years to run, would it not be advisable to get into touch with the other Powers who are signatories to the Agreement, in order to have concerted action?
§ Sir J. SIMONI shall be glad to consider that. The hon. and gallant Member will see from my reply that we keep in touch with the situation through the British Minister?