Lord H. CAVENOISH - BENTINCKasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the steps taken by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs to satisfy himself that no girl under the age of 19 years is allowed to enter the brothels of Hong Kong; what is the nature of the evidence of age produced to this official; and what evidence does the girl herself take to the brothel-keeper to show that the Secretary of Chinese Affairs has given the girl permission to enter a brothel?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAccording to the Governor's report, where doubt exists as to a girl's age, the Committee of the Po Leung Kuk is consulted and if doubt still remains permission is refused. The statement of the girl herself is not accepted as evidence of age. Brothels are visited to check the ages of the inmates and cases of unregistered girls or girls1898W apparently under 19 years of age are reported. As regards the last part of the question, I have no information, but I will ask the Governor for a report.