HC Deb 03 March 1937 vol 321 cc339-40
8 and 9. Mr. Moreing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) particulars of the Chinese insurance enterprise law, which it is understood came into force on 15th January, 1937. particularly with regard to the respective obligations of Chinese and foreign insurance companies;

(2) whether he has yet had any report from His Majesty's Ambassador in China as to the proposal of the China Government to amend the law relating to insurance so as to require that all policies of insurance shall be in the Chinese language; and whether, in view of the fact that the new Chinese insurance law was originally promulgated in July, 1935, and came into force in its revised form on 11th January, 1937, he will ask His Majesty's Ambassador to expedite his report on the subject with as little delay as possible?

Mr. Eden

I am informed by His Majesty's Ambassador, that on 11th January of this year the Chinese Government promulgated certain modifications of the Insurance Enterprises Law, together with regulations for the enforcement of the revised law. One Article of these regulations provides that policies shall be printed in Chinese, and that, if a foreign language is also used, the Chinese text shall prevail. A further Insurance Law, governing contracts between the insurer and the insured, was also published on the same day. I understand, however, that these measures did not come into force upon the date of their promulgation, and are not as yet operative. I have at present no further information, but a full report upon the subject is already on its way and will reach me shortly.

10. Mr. Moreing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any reports as to whether the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs directed the provincial Government of Szechuan early this year to the effect that no foreigners or their Chinese representatives are permitted to do insurance business either in the interior or at any non-treaty port; and, if so, what steps he has taken to protect British interests in this respect?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir. I have received no information to this effect, but I am requesting His Majesty's Ambassador to furnish me with a report.