HC Deb 02 November 1949 vol 469 cc380-1
18. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present population of Hong Kong; and what percentage is British and what Chinese.

Mr. Creech Jones

The civil population was estimated in June, 1949, to be 1,860,000 of which about half per cent. was British and 99 per cent. Chinese. Of the Chinese, it is estimated that between 20 and 30 per cent. are British subjects by virtue of birth in the Colony.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister going to take any steps to consult the Chinese about affairs in Hong Kong?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, there is the Legislative Council already, on which the Chinese are represented.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Do those figures include Kowloon and the leased territories?

Mr. Creech Jones

I think I should need notice of that question.