HC Deb 04 February 1929 vol 224 cc1423-4W
Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Ordinance of 1922, which provided for the abolition of mui tsai slavery in Hong Kong within one year, is a dead letter; that the number of child slaves under this system actually shows an increase; and will he take immediate action in the matter?

Mr. AMERY

I would refer the hon. Member to my oral reply made to-day to other questions on this subject.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the failure to implement the undertaking given to Parliament in 1922 that the system of girl-purchase known as mui tsai would be abolished within one year in Hong Kong; and will he explain the reasons for this?

Mr. AMERY

I would refer the right hon. Member to my oral reply made today to other questions on this subject. I cannot agree that the undertaking given by Mr. Churchill in 1922 has not been implemented.