§ 19. Major Vernonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many political arrests have been made under the emergency regulations in Hong Kong; how many persons are being detained; and how many homes and offices have been searched by the police up to the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsNo such emergency regulations have been made.
§ 26. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Ordinance by which the oath of allegiance sworn by recruits to the Hong Kong Police was changed was seen and approved by him.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe change referred to was made incidentally in a general consolidating Ordinance. The Ordinance was not submitted to my right hon. Friend in draft and his approval was not necessary. After enactment the Ordinance was sent to my right hon. Friend in the ordinary way for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure, and the Governor was informed that His Majesty would not be advised to disallow it.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIn view of the fact that part of the effect of this Ordinance was to leave out of the oath the words "well and faithfully to serve His Majesty The King, his Heirs and Successors," does the hon. Gentleman consider that it is of sufficient constitutional importance to have a separate Ordinance and not to include it in the genera] list? Further, does he not consider that the Secretary of State should take that into consideration?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI agree that a matter of this kind should not have been put in a consolidated Ordinance, and that it should have been brought to the attention of my right hon. Friend. I am glad to announce that the Governor has agreed that an amending Ordinance shall be introduced to restore the previous form.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the hon. Gentleman say what factor made the Governor now decide to go back to the original form?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe submission to him of the advice given by my right hon. Friend.