§ LORD BEAUMONT OF WHITLEYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations have they received from the citizens of Hong Kong as to the desirability of the establishment of an Ombudsman in that Colony, and what advice have they given to the Hong Kong Government on this matter, whether or not such representations have been made?
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD CHALFONT)In September, 1969, the Governor sent to my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State, at the request of the local branch of Justice, a copy of a report by that branch on the feasibility of instituting the office of an Ombudsman in Hong Kong. In the course of discussions which my noble friend Lord Shepherd had on this subject with the Governor and his advisers last year it was agreed that no conclusion should be reached on this matter until the possibility had been fully explored of strengthening the machinery which already exists for enabling the people of Hong Kong to make known their views and grievances to the authorities.
House adjourned at nine minutes past seven o'clock.