§ 17. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the extent of the damage caused by the typhoon in Hong Kong; and what steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take to assist the people made homeless by the typhoon.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodOn present information 49 people were killed, 12 are missing and 127 were injured and treated in hospital. Two hundred and thirty-four craft were sunk, 40 damaged and 20 are missing.
A relief fund has been opened in the Colony. It is being used for rehabilitation grants to fishermen, building grants and compensation grants to families who have lost their breadwinners.
Her Majesty's Government have decided to contribute £6,250 towards relief work as a token of our sympathy and concern for the people of Hong Kong. An advance is being obtained from the Civil Contingencies Fund pending the submission of the necessary Supplementary Estimate.