§ Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the reduction in Hong Kong trade in 1952 of 28 per cent. resulting in increased unemployment; and what measures are being taken to reduce it.
§ Mr. LytteltonYes, but I am glad to say that Hong Kong's total trade for the first six months of 1953 was 16 per cent. higher than for the corresponding period for 1952.
As regards unemployment, the solution really lies in a return to more settled conditions in the Far East with a resumption of the traditional demand for the Colony's goods and services on which a majority of wage earners directly or indirectly depend for their livelihood. Meanwhile, local merchants and industrialists have developed new markets and local export industries.