§ Sir A. Maitlandasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered representations regarding the position of retired officials of the Shanghai Municipal Council who are British subjects; and whether he will reconsider the decision not to guarantee the continuance of the pensions to which they are entitled?
§ Sir K. WoodI have considered the representations to which my hon. Friend refers and, whilst I recognise the position in which these officials find themselves as a result of the suspension of payment of pensions by the Shanghai Municipal Council is most unfortunate, I am afraid it is not possible to take special steps to treat them more favourably than others who have lost their means of livelihood by reason of enemy action in the Far East.