§ 37. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on what has already been achieved in the settlement of Chinese refugees in Hong Kong; how many squatters have been rehoused in flats; and what is the extent of the remaining problems.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Hong Kong Government have provided homes for 210,000 squatters, most of whom are refugees from China. At least 116,000 of them have been housed in large blocks of flats. Some 334,000 squatters remain in need of resettlement.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes the Under-Secretary of State realise that probably no country in modern history of similar size has had 192 to meet with a refugee invasion such as has taken place in Hong Kong? Does he not think it is high time that this country and the United States knew a little bit more about the wonderful achievements of the Hong Kong Government in dealing with the situation?
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, Sir, I entirely share the view expressed by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. RankinWhile joining in the tribute that has been paid to the efforts of the Hong Kong Administration, may I ask the Under-Secretary of State how many people are still living on the rooftops in Hong Kong?
§ Mr. ProfumoAbout 64.000 roof-top squatters await resettlement.
§ Dame Irene WardDoes my hon. Friend know whether any money is yet available from the United Nations Refugee Fund to help the Hong Kong Administration in their admirable work?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think that there are any funds available.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that it was recently represented to me by someone I met from Hong Kong that there is serious concern there about the terrible overcrowding and the dangers arising from it because of the continuous arrival of refugees the Colony? Do Her Majesty's Government propose any discussions with the Chinese Government about the future of these refugees?
§ Mr. ProfumoHer Majesty's Government have not in view any discussions with the Chinese Government. I do not believe they would help towards a solution of the immediate problems. I am sure that the whole House shares our concern about it. I am glad to be able to say how well we think the Hong Kong Government are doing in this extremely difficult problem.