§ Major BIRCHALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information that in Hong Kong Chinese children under 14 years of age are permitted to work upwards of 70 hours per week?
Mr. WOODThe Governor has been asked for a report on the subject of child labour in Hong Kong. At present there appears to be no legislation. When the Governor's report is received, the matter will receive my very careful consideration.
§ Major BIRCHALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can take any steps to abolish the state of semi-slavery as applied to Chinese girls in Hong Kong?
Mr. WOODIf the hon. and gallant Member refers to the system of mui[...] tsai, I would invite his reference to the answer given on Wednesday, the 13th instant, to the Noble Lord, the Member for Nottingham South (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck). The term "semi-slavery" is not, I am advised, a correct description of the position of these girls.