HC Deb 20 March 1958 vol 584 cc1415-6
40. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has noted the speech to the Hong Kong Legislative Council on 18th December, 1957, in which the former Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham, regretted the failure of the United Kingdom Government to bear an equitable share of the cost of the refugee problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have noted the speech and am glad of this opportunity to pay a tribute to the splendid work done by the Hong Kong Government in resettling refugees. Since 1945 Hong Kong has received from Her Majesty's Government Colonial Development and Welfare allocations exceeding £1 million and an interest-free loan of £3 million towards the cost of rebuilding Kai Tak airport. Bearing this assistance in mind, and the relative needs of Hong Kong compared with those of other territories and the very heavy calls on our resources, Her Majesty's Government did not feel justified in making a specific contribution to the refugee problem.

Mr. Rankin

Does not the Colonial Secretary regard it as a very serious matter when a Governor of the experience of Sir Alexander Grantham makes a devastating attack on the Government for their irresponsibility in regard to the financial aspect of the refugee problem? Is not it the case that during the period of the problem Hong Kong has spent more than 300 million Hong Kong dollars and this has restricted the general social and economic development of the Colony? Will not the Colonial Secretary see if he can give a little more help than is represented by the £1 million he mentioned?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not recognise in the hon. Member's rather flamboyant language the actual speech made by the retiring Governor.

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