§ 46. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the United Nations High Commissioner's Advisory Committee is likely to have concluded its consideration of Dr. Edward Hambro's proposals in respect of refugees and their dependants in Hong Kong; and, in view of the pressing nature of the problem and the burden borne by the Hong Kong Government, what action he has taken to expedite the consideration.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Lord John Hope)Dr. Hambro's Report was presented to the Advisory Committee at its last meeting in December, 1954. At that time Governments had not had an opportunity to study the Report in detail, and it was, therefore, agreed to defer consideration of it until the first meeting of the High Commissioner's new Executive Committee, which is to be held on 10th May.
§ Mr. SorensenIs not this delay most unfortunate, in view of the fact that the problem in Hong Kong is very pressing, and that Dr. Hambro's proposals would have gone some way to relieve the heavy burden that rests on Hong Kong in this respect at the present time?
§ Lord John HopeIt has not been possible to do anything in an executive way before this but it will not be long now, as the hon. Gentleman will see.