HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1953
Import licensing
On 6th November, 1953, as a result of a general improve- ment in the sterling area position, the scope of the open general import licence was considerably extended by reducing both the list of commodities and countries for which special licences were required.
Rationing
Before July, 1953, only persons who had been resident in the Colony before 1st April, 1948, could obtain ration cards which enabled them to purchase, from approved ration shops, the cheap rice imported by the Government. The rationing system was extended to the whole population during the second half of the year.
Commodities in short supply
The easing of the world food situation enabled controls on the import and export of canned meats, bacon, ham, margarine and butter to be relaxed. Government remained the principal or only importer of rice, sugar, frozen meat, and coal for local consumption.
Price Control
Commodity prices tended to decline during the year and this coupled with their greater availability and sales at below controlled prices made it unnecessary to continue price control, which was entirely abolished on 10th April, 1953.
The Government maintains a London Office at 307/308 Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, London, W.C.2. and Hong Kong's interests in Japan are dealt with by the First Secretary, Head of the Hong Kong Section, British Embassy, Tokyo.
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