HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 cc218-9W
Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware that the Commission of Inquiry into the Kowloon disturbances of 1966 pointed out that most of the participants in the disturbances were comparatively poorly educated, poorly housed and poorly employed and that these disabilities provided the economic and social reasons for the disturbances; and what steps he is taking, after consultation with the Governor, to eliminate such barriers to the peaceful development of Hong Kong.

Mr. Bowden

The Commission found that the great majority of the participants came from poorer sections of the community but concluded that political, economic and social frustrations were not the direct cause of the riots. My right hon. Friend does not consider that the report calls for any action on his part.