30
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MINUTES.
The minutes of the previous meeting of the Council were con- firmed.
NEW MEMBERS.
The Hon. the Officer Commanding the Troops (Colonel R. B. Cousens, D.S.0.) took the oath of allegiance and his seat ás a member of the Council.
The Secretary for Chinese Affairs (Hon. Mr. A. E. Wood) took the oath of allegiance and his seat as a member of the Council.
PAPERS.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table the following papers.
Report of the Standing Law Committee of the Legislative Council. Regulation under section 7 of the Suppression of Piracy
Ordinance, 1868, on 10th February, 1931.
Regulation under section 3 of the Vehicles and Traffic Regulation
Ordinance, 1912, on 11th February, 1931.
Regulations under section 3 of the Census Ordinance, 1931, on
12th February, 1931.
The Census Order.
Regulation under section 3 (1) of the Opium Ordinance, 1923,
on 12th February, 1931.
The Merchant Shipping (Convention) Act, 1914.
MOTIONS.
Liquor Duties.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.-Recent statements by you, Sir, in this Chamber have foreshadowed the necessity for additional taxation if exchange failed to improve: and the action taken a week ago in connexion with duties on alcohol and tobacco can hardly have come as a surprise. The action then taken by Your Excellency by and with the advice of Executive Council now needs confirmation: but before I put the Resolution formally, some explanation is necessary.
The Estimates for 1931 as approved by the Legislative Council showed a deficit of $2,299,000, the dollar throughout being calculated at 1/4d. The sterling commitments of the Government for 1931 amount to £677,000, and the dollar at an average of 1/- throughout the year will mean that a further $3,388,000 must be added to the deficit-making a total deficit of $5,687,000. The method of paying
12
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.