§ Sir D. Thomsonasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that orders for commercial goods are being received from Hong Kong for shipment from this country; whether he is aware that there is difficulty in obtaining permission to ship; that American ships arc discharging commercial cargo in Hong Kong; and whether he will investigate this unsatisfactory situation.
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§ Mr. MarquandI am informed that it has been necessary to devote the available transport, handling and port facilities to the imports of the military authorities, which include consumer goods for the civilian population, but that the whole question of the resumption of shipments of consumer goods is under consideration. As regards the third part of the question, I should be glad to have particulars of the commercial cargoes to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present position in Hong Kong and on H.M. Government's intentions regarding the future administration.
Mr. George Hall: A Military Administration has been established in Hong Kong under the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Harcourt, and the Chief Civil Affairs Officer, and many of his staff are experienced officers of the prewar civil administration. As soon as conditions in the region permit, it is H.M. Government's intention to restore full civil government.