Secretary, who stated that the changes which I was ready to make would meet the objections, amended the Bill in Committee; all opposition was withdrawn, and the Bill, in its present shape, passed without further difficulty.
The Registrar General has still the power to summon the custodian of the female child, to require the production of the child and assisted by Justices of the Peace to make an inquiry into the matter. Full opportunity is given to the custodian to be heard, and if he consents, the Registrar General is to deal with the case in the manner set forth in Section 44.
If the custodian does not consent to the matter being dealt with by the Registrar General, it will be referred to a Magistrate.
Section 6 reproduces Section 3 of the Bill which was submitted to the Secretary of State. This Section also met with great opposition, and I received several visits from influential Chinese on the subject. The addition of the third paragraph has removed all objections to this Section.
It is very doubtful whether agreements which have been entered into before the passing of this Ordinance for the custody of female children are valid, and Section 7 has been introduced to meet the objection that they have been given without consideration, or that the Registrar General had no right to require them. This is important, as I believe over 200 children have been handed over to the custody of people who have entered into these agreements.
Copy sent to J. Acknow Acty Attorney General