§ Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the great hardship that has been 147W caused by the delay of over four months since the first applications were made by Chinese students for transit visas for Hong Kong; and how many applications have not yet been granted.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI am aware that there has been some anxiety on account of the unavoidable delay in granting transit visas for Hong Kong. Visas have now, however, been authorised in 61 of the 85 cases known to me; and three further cases are awaiting the decision of the local authorities. The remaining 21 applicants have been asked to sign an undertaking not to remain in the Colony but to continue their journey into China at the first opportunity; as soon as these undertakings are received, transit visas will be granted.