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With regard to Trade Marks belonging to Enemy firms these should be expunged from the register and their re-issue prohibited. The Hon. Mr. Holyoak has already voiced the opinion of the Committee in the matter and nothing more can usefully be added to the remarks of the Chamber's representative on the Legislative Council.
Return of Enemy Subjects.
It would seem impracticable in these days of Trade and interwoven interests to per- nantly bar the return of present enemies, although this would tend towards sounder commercial conditions; but a strong advocacy exists for deferring their return for a minimum period of ten years after the Declaration of Peace, and when allowed to return the Colony it is urged that it should be only under Licence, in similar manner to which British Merchants submit in Russia.
With regard to residence and trading by friendly aliens in the Colony, since the Chinese form so large a proportion of the community it is difficult to suggest any parti- cular form of control, but it might be practicable to institute a form of Registration, and it is urged that more effective control of all alien and native firms should be aimed at-- especially should alien and Chinese Corporations trading as Hongkong registered Com- panies be better controlled. It is a matter of common knowledge that the requirements of the local Ordinance are frequently ignored--that there is in fact no real control notwithstanding the elaborate paper machinery.
The books of all Companies seeking the protection of the Hongkong Companies Ordinance should be kept in English as previously contended by my Committee and properly qualified auditors should be insisted upon.
My Committee believe that the present system of ascertaining the qualification of an Auditor of Chinese Companies is derided by the Chinese themselves.
Insurance.
As to restrictions and control to be placed upon Insurance Companies, it seems desirable that Legislation should provide that British Traders or Insurance Companies shall insure and re-insure only with British Companies and that British Insurance Companies doing business through Agents shall employ only British Agents on Empire Territory.
A special tax on all premia secured by Foreign Companies doing business on Empire Territory should be imposed.
It would be well to provide further that the books of all Foreign Insurance Com- panies shall be open to inspection by properly appointed Auditors and that such books shall be kept in English.
Shipping.
The Ton for Ton policy as part reparation for Submarine outrages which it is hoped will be adopted should provide an effective check on the enemies shipping expansion. Ships belonging to the Central Powers should not be allowed to use British ports on the same terms as before the War, and subsidised ships of their flags should be subjected to penalties. Should it develop that Germany proposes to use British ports as stages on a route leading to the development of Whampoa in an attempt to divert Trade and Shipping from Hongkong, Ports Dues from Suez outwards should be placed on differ- ential terms and coaling facilities restricted against German ships employed in such a policy. It is also desirable to consider how far it would be practicable to apply Port Dues to alien shipping on reciprocal terms, according to the flag in question.
Commercial and Industrial Policy.
It is strongly urged that the most effective way to meet competition and to handle the Empire's vast resources in and for the Empire's interests is by practical knowledge and business organizations assisted and supported by legislation which should at least know the real commercial outlook and not merely the Political one.