HC Deb 04 June 1959 vol 606 cc344-5
20. Mr. Green

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present annual rate of rehousing of refugees in Hong Kong.

Mr. J. Amery

No separate records are kept for refugees. Thirty-seven thousand people were rehoused in Resettlement Estates during the year ended 31st March, 1959.

Mr. Green

Is it not a fact that that represents a high percentage of the total estimated population of Hong Kong?

Mr. Amery

Yes, it does.

21. Mr. Green

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportions of the present population of Hong Kong are represented by immigrants or refugees who have entered the Colony since 1948; and what is the estimated total of new arrivals in the last twelve months.

Mr. Amery

Approximately 1 million or 35 per cent. It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of new arrivals.

Mr. Green

Do not these two Answers, taken together, reflect extremely well on the administration of this small territory? Would it not be as well to give further publicity to these facts, and can it not be clearly seen that we are giving a real lead in the resettlement of immigrants and refugees at the beginning of the World Refugee Year?

Mr. Amery

I hope that my hon. Friend's Questions and supplementary questions will help in that process.

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