§ 43. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what compensation or alternative accommodation was offered to the Chinese residents who have been evicted during building developments in Kowloon; and how many evicted residents have been rehoused.
§ Mr. ProfumoCompensation has been offered to owners for lawfully erected buildings, to leaseholders for Crown land resumed, and to tenants for their crops and for disturbance. Alternative accommodation has been offered on new estates only about a mile away with the option of returning later when the new accommodation has been built in the old locality; shopkeepers have been offered around-floor shops and artisans ground-floor rooms suitable for their work.
Government resettlement has so far been arranged for 2,591 people.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister aware that many rumours are flying about as to what is happening in Kowloon? Does he remember the promise which he made to me in July that where alternative accommodation cannot be offered compensation will be paid?
§ Mr. J. E. B. HillWould not my hon. Friend agree that the re-housing policy in Hong Kong has been an unqualified success and deserves much greater recognition from the House than it is receiving in the sort of questions which are being tabled with scant regard for truth or knowledge of the facts?
§ Mr. ProfumoI certainly agree with the first part of my hon. Friend's question. I think they are doing a magnificent job and I hope and believe that this is generally recognised in the House.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. Is not it quite improper to challenge the motive which inspires any question? Is it not the case, as I am sure the Minister recollects, that I have commended the Hong Kong Administration for what they have done in housing?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think that is a point of order. I did not hear any imputation of motives to the hon. Member at all.