HC Deb 08 December 1948 vol 459 cc359-60
3. Sir Ronald Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what regulations exist at Hong Kong to check the character of those coming to the Colony from the mainland and to limit the total numbers admitted.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The provisions of the Immigration Ordinance apply to these people. The practical difficulties of enforcing these provisions are, of course, very great. The situation is under constant review.

Sir R. Ross

Is the Minister aware that Hong Kong is at present very overcrowded, that food difficulties are arising and that fairly large numbers of undesirable people are apparently getting in? Is he satisfied that, in the event, let us say, of panic in Shanghai, the situation would not be reduced to complete chaos?

Mr. Rees-Williams

In reply to the first part of the Question, we are only too well aware of these conditions. As for the second part, I am not at all aware that there would be chaos in Hong Kong; in fact, we are doing everything we can to prevent such a contingency.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Would the Under-Secretary agree, in view of the fact that, on the last great wave of immigration into Hong Kong, there were great deficiences in medical and other services, that steps should be taken now, because conditions will certainly be worse in the next great wave?

Mr. Rees-Williams

We are looking into this question at the moment, and I hope the necessary steps will be taken.

Mr. John Paton

Is it not the case that the latest figures from the Colony show that the number of immigrants into the Colony is less than the number of emigrants from the Colony? I am speaking of Chinese nationals.

Mr. Rees-Williams

That may be so, but I understood that the Question put to me referred to the possibility of a large influx from Shanghai or from other parts of China.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Could the Under-Secretary say what steps have been taken to provide the necessary services to prevent disease and pestilence if there is overcrowding?

Mr. Rees-Williams

We hope to avoid overcrowding; but the Governor is now looking into all these questions to see how far the conditions can be met, either by camps or otherwise.