§ 78. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the fishing vessel "Yuchiung," the property of the Kwangtung Provincial Government, was seized on 31st January, 1953, by armed men acting upon the orders of the Hong Kong Marine Department; and whether the fishing boats "Yuchin," "Yuyang," "Yulien" and "Yupu," previously seized by the same authority, were returned to their rightful owners, the Kwangtung Provincial Government.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. The only official to board the "Yu Chiung" on 31st January was the bailiff, who was unarmed, and who came to tell the crew that the court had ordered the release of the vessel to its owners, an organisation known as Board of Trustees for Rehabilitation Affairs, following proceedings in which the Kwangtung Provincial Government did not enter an appearance. Of the other vessels mentioned the "Yupu" was released to Board of Trustees for Rehabilitation Affairs on 31st May, 1952, the court proceedings in which the vessel was involved having been dismissed for want of prosecution. The remaining three vessels had left Hong Kong in June, 1950, after the proper officers accompanied by a representative of Board of Trustees for Rehabilitation Affairs had obtained clearance in the normal way.