§ 24. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mak En Cheun, chairman of the Naval Dockyard Employees Association in Hong Kong was recently prosecuted for having an unregistered printing press; that the printing press was an ordinary duplicating machine of a type in common use by business firms, etc., who are not compelled to register; and for what reason this prosecution was initiated.
Mr. Creech JonesI understand that an appeal is pending in this case before the Hong Kong courts; as the matter is therefore sub judice, I regret I am unable to make any statement.
§ Mr. RankinIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a feeling that these petty, pin-pricking prosecutions are never taken against members of the Kuomintang or their supporters but are mostly reserved for those who are not members of that organisation?
Mr. Creech JonesI cannot accept that assumption, but this case is still in the courts, and I am not able to make any statement on it.
§ Mr. RankinWill the Minister inquire into that aspect of the matter?