§ 14. Mr. Thorntonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will appoint an independent commission to investigate bribery and corruption in the Colony of Hong Kong.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNo, Sir. This subject is kept under frequent review by the Governor, with the assistance of a Standing Committee.
§ Mr. ThorntonHas the right hon. Gentleman had his attention called to a leading article in the Hong Kong newspaper, the China Mail, of 22nd February, which suggests that Hong Kong needs the shock that a truly impartial investigation would give? Is he further aware that, in the opinion of the China Mail and of many knowledgeable people, this situation is deteriorating and all the ordinary courses of the law are quite incapable of dealing with it? In saying this, I am not unappreciative of the difficulties and the achievements of Hong Kong; but this is really a very serious matter to which I urge the Minister to give his closest possible attention.
§ Mr. MacleodYes, I have studied that article in the China Mail, and I have discussed it by signal with the Governor, who does not attach as much importance to it as does the hon. Member. But I am sure that the right approach to the matter is that it should be kept under frequent review by the Governor, as I indicated in my Answer.