HC Deb 20 April 1955 vol 540 cc174-5
20. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the case, particulars of which have been sent to him, of the ill-treated child whose foster mother was sentenced in a Hong Kong court on or about 12th January; and what is the present estimated number of Mui-tsai children in Hong Kong and the New Territories.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My only information about this case is derived from a local newspaper, the accuracy of which however I have no reason to doubt. From the account there given I am bound to say that the sentence seems to have been well deserved. The case was not one of Mui-tsai which is illegal and of which no cases have come to light for a number of years.

Mr. Sorensen

Does this not seem at least somewhat indicative of the fact that, even though it is illegal, Mui-tsai is still practised behind the scenes? Will the right hon. Gentleman have special investigations made to determine whether an underhand Mui-tsai arrangement still exists?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

From all that I know of the Governor of Hong Kong, it is quite unnecessary to stimulate him to the proper discharge of the duties imposed upon him by statute.

Mr. I. O. Thomas

For the benefit of hon. Members who are not experienced in the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman say what Mui-tsai is?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Definitions vary according to the part of the world in which one happens to live. "Mui-tsai" describes a young female domestic servant who, by Chinese custom, is purchased from her parents or guardians for service in the household of her master.