HC Deb 18 February 1958 vol 582 c1018
16. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take on the petition presented to the Governor of Hong Kong, by the Hong Kong Council of Women in December of last year, for the abolition of concubinage.

Mr. Profumo

This is a matter for the Governor of Hong Kong. He is carefully studying the petition and will reply to it as soon as possible.

Mr. Roberts

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the principle of concubinage is repugnant to the equality of the sexes, that it has been banned in Red China and Formosa, and, further, that we ought to put our own house in order?

Mr. Profumo

I must repudiate entirely the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.