HC Deb 05 July 1950 vol 477 cc465-6
34. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent juvenile delinquency has increased in Hong Kong; what are the regulations regarding the corporal punishment of these delinquents; in how many instances has this punishment been inflicted during the last available annual return; and whether the desirability of establishing camps for nutritional, medical and educational treatment of delinquents will be considered.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The influx of population has led to a very large increase in the number of juveniles brought before the courts, mostly on charges related to illegal trading, street obstruction and breach of deportation orders. The courts have discretion to order boys found guilty of such offences to be caned. I gave statistics in a written reply to the hon. Member for Heston and Isleworth (Mr. R. Harris) on 14th June. I have discussed this matter personally with the Governor. Much is being done both by Government and by voluntary agencies for the rehabilitation of these children, but it is a very intractable problem in the present circumstances of the city. I do not think that the establishment of camps is a practicable solution.

Mr. Sorensen

Is my right hon. Friend aware that such camps existed before the war, but had very great defects? Will he not consider the possibility of re-establishing such camps rather than proceeding on the lines of corporal punishment?

Mr. Griffiths

I have considered the question of the re-establishment of the camps, but there has been a very big increase in population between the end of the war and now, and their re-establishment at present is completely impracticable.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

While appreciating that the immense congestion makes this a unique problem, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not very important that nothing should be done at this stage to take the police away from their very proper task of guarding internal security?

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the Minister not agree that the police, the civilian population and the authorities have done a remarkably good job in keeping crime, particularly juvenile crime, in hand in exceptionally difficult circumstances?

Mr. Griffiths

I had the opportunity of congratulating the Governor personally, during my recent visit to the area, upon what I think is a very remarkable job indeed, having regard to the enormously increased population. I think that the efforts made to cope with the situation have been admirable.