HC Deb 24 October 1956 vol 558 cc625-6
39. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he proposes to take to provide housing accommodation for the 40,000 persons who are presently squatting on the roof tops of other people's houses in Hong Kong.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Hong Kong Government expects to spend nearly £1 million in the current financial year on housing roof-top dwellers, street-sleepers, and squatters. That should provide for about 40,000 people in those groups.

Mr. Rankin

While congratulating the right hon. Gentleman on showing some evidence of progress, may I ask him if he is aware of the urgency of this matter? Does he not realise that poverty, low wages and evil housing conditions in Hong Kong are the root causes of the trouble now taking place there?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir. The trouble that arose recently arose among people who have in fact been resettled, not among those waiting to be resettled. While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his praise offered to me, may I also say that it ought more appropriately to go to the people in Hong Kong who have carried out a miracle in house and flat construction in the last few years?

Mr. Bevan

Everybody who knows Hong Kong is aware that it is a most peculiar problem and one of the most remarkable administrative difficulty. A very wonderful job has been done on the spot by the authorities, and I think everybody recognises that. Nevertheless, if we are to remain there, and we are to make it a good show-piece for our position in that part of the world, ought we not now to consider more positive remedies to enable the people of Hong Kong to identify themselves much more broadly with the administration?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I said in answer to an earlier Question that I am satisfied that the 2½ million people of Hong Kong as a whole are generally satisfied with the constitutional position of the Colony. The vast majority do not wish to see at this stage any dramatic change in the constitutional set-up.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies to both of my Questions, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment as soon as possible.