§ 80. Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of unemployed in Hong Kong; and whether the number has increased in the last six months.
§ Mr. CookI regret that not even approximate numbers of unemployed in Hong Kong can be given owing to the very large number of refugees who may or may not be employed. During the last three months unemployment has, however, increased as many small unregistered factories have had to close down and larger concerns have had to reduce staff and work shorter hours owing to financial difficulties, rising costs and shortage of raw materials.