HC Deb 07 December 1949 vol 470 c1887
68. Mr. Gammans

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why European members of the Royal Navy Dockyard Police in Hong Kong with non-European wives are, for the purposes of pay and quarters, counted as single men.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

In the past it has been one of the conditions of employment for Europeans in the Hong Kong Dockyard Police that only men with European wives may occupy official married quarters or receive an allowance in lieu. In connection, however, with a recent review of the emoluments of the Force, the Admiralty have already started inquiries to determine how far this rule is now being enforced and whether it should be relaxed. A reply from the authorities at Hong Kong is awaited.

Mr. Gammans

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this differentiation is repugnant to modern ideas and will he expedite the necessary inquiries being made in regard to it?

Mr. Edwards

Yes, this situation was a legacy left to this Government and we are certainly going into the matter.