§ 5 and 30. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what reasons guided him in rejecting the recommendation of the Hong Kong Urban Council that a commission should be appointed for the purpose of deciding on measures for increasing the electorate and, in particular, of enfranchising all British subjects in the Colony;
1187 (2) why only two polling stations, both in outlying residential districts, one on the island and the other on the mainland, have been named for the elections soon to take place in Hong Kong.
§ 60. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if further consideration has now been given to the need of enlarging both the franchise and the number of elected representatives on the Hong Kong Urban Council; and if he will give consideration to the question of determining the basis of a franchise for an elected element in the Legislature.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDuring my recent visit to Hong Kong I was satisfied that there is no general demand or need for the introduction of an elected element into the Legislative Council. The Governor has under consideration, however, certain proposals for increasing the membership, including elected members, of the Urban Council.
If these proposals are implemented, consideration will also be given to an increase in the number of polling stations. The two polling stations at present used are in the most densely populated areas, one on each side of the harbour and are served by frequent public transport. The Urban Council Ordinance in Hong Kong provides that the electorate shall consist of people who, irrespective of nationality, have certain qualifications or have accepted certain of the obligations of citizenship. The recommendations of the Urban Council for an increased electorate were addressed to the Governor in Council who reached the conclusion that there was no justification for extending the franchise either to include British subjects without these qualifications or, in the special circumstances of Hong Kong, to include people whose only qualification would be a minimum of fifteen years residence in the Colony.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister aware that I have had correspondence on this matter with the chairman of the Reform Club in Hong Kong, who is a member of the Urban Council and, I think, also its chairman, and he tells me that there is great dismay at the decision of the Minister to reject this recommendation merely to have a commission to inquire into the matter? May I ask him not to close his mind on the question of a commission but to think over it, and then perhaps, if I put 1188 down another Question in the new year, he will be able to give me a better answer?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI also have had the pleasure of correspondence with the same gentleman, and I have added to it by seeing him on one or two occasions. I am always ready to answer any questions, but I can hold out no hope that my decision will change.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent there will be increased democratic representation on the Urban Council, and can he give some reasons why the principle of some elected representatives on the Central Legislature has been completely rejected, and if this is likely to be for all time?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think that we must bear in mind the particular circumstances of Hong Kong at this moment in the history of the world. In regard to the Urban Council, if the hon. Gentleman reads my reply he will see that that is under consideration.
§ Later—
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. We have missed Question No. 30.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have not. I understand that it was answered with Question No. 5.
§ Mr. RankinI understand that the right hon. Gentleman was replying to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) and myself. Is it not carrying the custom of permission too far if the Minister can comprehend in one reply an answer to two entirely different Questions?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member might have raised that matter at the time, but we have passed it now.