§ Mr. J. E. B. Hillasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the deluge of rain that fell upon Hong Kong recently, and indicate the extent of the damage to persons and property, and the nature of the remedial action that is being taken.
§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd:I very much regret to say that abnormal rainfall in Hong Kong—more than 27 in. since 20th May—has caused widespread flooding and considerable casualties and damage, especially in Kowloon and the New Territories. Twenty-nine people have died, 55 have been injured, and nine are missing. Nearly 11,000 people have had to leave their homes. Many small houses and huts have collapsed and landslides have seriously interrupted communications. There has been much damage to the land and to irrigation systems and heavy losses of pigs, poultry, and vegetable crops.
The cost cannot yet be assessed but will amount to some millions of dollars. The Hong Kong Government and voluntary organisations are providing clothes and meals for the homeless and, in many cases, shelter in schools and other buildings. The Government are also providing loans for farmers. Nearly all the interrupted communications have now been restored. The police, fire brigade, and auxiliaries have responded admirably to the emergency and I would like to pay a special tribute to the invaluable assistance given by the Army and the R.A.F.