HC Deb 18 February 1958 vol 582 c1028
38. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to implement the recommendation of the Asian Regional Conference of the International Labour Organisation in New Delhi in November, 1957, for the expansion of co-operatives and of systems of credit, improvement of the supply of raw materials and adequate training schemes in Singapore and Hong Kong, respectively.

Mr. Profumo

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour gave to the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Owen) on 12th February.

Mr. Irving

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Singapore, while great progress is being made in organising industry, not so much progress is being made in agriculture and fisheries—[Interruption.] After that very minor local diversion, caused by the entrance of the Prime Minister, may I repeat—

An Hon. Member

Just a little domestic affair.

Mr. Irving

May I repeat that while in Singapore great developments have taken place and good progress has been made in industry and not so much progress has been made in agriculture and fisheries, in Hong Kong the reverse is the case? May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will consider the extension of co-operative housing on the lines of the Civil Service co-operatives there, in order to deal with the homeless and the roof-top dwellers, particularly in the textile industry, which employs most of the workers in Hong Kong?

Mr. Profumo

I think that is a very much wider question.