Viscountess ASTORasked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the latest Report on the health of the British Navy, issued in 1922, the China station again shows the highest venereal rate of all the Navy stations; and whether he will consider the desirability, in this connection, of abolishing the system, of regulated prostitution existing in Hong Kong and other British ports in this naval area, thus bringing them into line with other British ports in the East where maison tolerées have been abolished and where health conditions have been greatly improved?
§ Mr. AMMONThe prevalence of these diseases in the China Squadron is receiving serious consideration at the1028W Admiralty. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the Noble Lady to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.