§ 9. Sir W. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he has taken over the recent kidnapping off the Chinese coast of Hong Kong fishermen licensed to fish in those waters; and what have been the results.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Stonehouse)During October, 10 men working on oyster beds off the New Territories were picked up by junks and removed to China. Since representations were made, six of these men have returned to Hong Kong and the Chinese authorities have informed us that the other four men wish to remain in China.
§ Sir W. TeelingIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied with that reply from the Chinese Government? We hear a good deal about Gibraltar and Spain at the moment. Does not this make us think sometimes that, if we keep on giving in to China with regard to people being kidnapped and also with regard to the graveyards in Peking, we may let ourselves in for the same sort of trouble over Hong Kong?
§ Mr. StonehouseI understand that the four men have, in fact, returned to their families in China.