51
X
Hon hi The tong Toe-Tong
Colony from
other heavy burdens such as an increased Police force.
With regard to the recently established Immigration Department I wish to make the following observa- tions. I believe that the imposition of restriction on free immigration was a new departure from the well- established policy of the Colony to keep this place open to the Chinese. I must say that restriction of this kind is quite a common practice in other parts of the world but with this Colony's close relationship with China, such a step can only be con- sidered as an emergency measure forced upon us by prevailing circum- stances.
I realise that many of the social evils prevailing in the Colony are closely connected with this difficult problem of excessive population and I have, therefore, no hesitation in agreeing that some sort of restriction on the growing population is, at the present time, desirable. I presume! that it was on economic grounds that Government had been advised to introduce this measure.
Immigration Complaints
When this measure of immigration control was brought before this Coun- cil for consideration last November, the Government assured us that "the Immigration Department is to be ad- ministered in the interest of passen- gers and all shipping generally and not to cause any obstruction or in- convenience that can be possibly avoided." In spite of this assurance there have been many complaints against the administration of this department.
From the general public these com- plaints have been mainly directed against the difficulty in obtaining the necessary forms, the unusual delay in issuing certificates and the insist- ence that photographs must be taken by "approved" firms. From the shipping concerns they have been connected with the undue delay in the examination of passengers' papers and the failure to post immigration officers on board ships to facilitate such examination.
The Chinese member on the Execu- tive Council as well as my two Chinese colleagues on this Council and I, have found it necessary to address a joint communication to the Hon. Colonial Secretary in regard to some of these complaints and in our opinion there are urgent needs for reform in the method of conducting this department. I may add that the attitude of those in charge of this department towards the general pu- blic is not at all helpful.
Rice and Firewood
On the question of Food Control, I wish to urge Government to pay the closest attention to the recent rise in the cost of living in the Colony, particularly of rice and firewood. These are the two daily necessities of the Chinese Community. The rise in the prices of these two commodities is a serious matter for the Chinese, particularly the middle and poor classes, and I consider that Govern- ment should take vigorous measures to combat the evil. With regard to rice I know that measures have been taken and are being taken by Gov- ernment to check the abnormal rise in the price of this commodity at the end of 1940. While I recognise that such measures have, to a certain ex- tent, met with success, I feel that Government should now review the whole situation carefully with the
12.
object of securing an effective control over the rice stock in the Colony both in regard to quality as well as quantity. There has been a report that some of the stocks are of such a poor quality that they are not fit for human consumption.
in the com-
The position of firewood domestic life of the Chinese munity is second in importance to that of rice. The situation has gone from bad to worse during the last few months. This might have been caused by seasonal demands such as the Chinese New Year but I have no doubt that it has been aggravated
of by the activities unscrupulous profiteers. It has been proved that the cost of firewood imported into Hongkong including freight and all landing charges is far below the pre- vailing market price demanded by exorbitant dealers. I understand that Government are now taking mea- sures to relieve the present situation and I believe that such measures will meet with success.
a
Before I resume my seat I wish to say how regrettable it is that we have found it necessary to cut down good deal of Public Works Extra- ordinary not so much from a desire to balance the budget but in an effort to conserve, although in a very small way, much needed foreign currency and tonnage for the success- ful prosecution of the War.
I realise that the tendency to-day is for Government to play a more pronounced part in the social and economic life of the community and to shoulder increased responsibilities and additional duties. I hope that with the return of peace it will be possible for this Colony to go for- ward with such increased respon- sibilities and additional duties. (Applause).
HON. MR T. E. PEARCE
Disappointed in Returns Of Business Tax
GOVERNMENT SLACKNESS
Sir,
The Hon. Mr Pearce said: the few remarks I have to make merely re-echo those of colleagues.
my
When addressing this Council on last year's Budget, I strongly advo- cated postponement of a number of big projects until more normal con- ditions prevailed and the outlook was less obscure. I therefore whole- heartedly endorse the remarks of the Hon. Mr S. H. Dodwell and the Hon. Mr A. L. Shields in their expressions of satisfaction that a number of such items have been shelved for the time being, and the expenditure involved deleted from this year's Budget. I am certain the Unofficial Members of this council will give generous sup- port to these postponed schemes, and any others which will be for the benefit of the Colony when normality returns and the Colony can afford the expenditure.
With regard to the Special Wai Budget, whilst it has been extremely satisfactory to find the sum raised last year approximates $9 millions, against the original estimate of $6 millions, I share the disappointment expressed by the Financial Secretary that the Business Profits Tax did not bring in to that total more than nine lakhs. I believe this source can bear more of the burden, and feel the per- centage and limits for taxation can be amended.
Slackness in Government
I express the hope the Committee which is to review the whole question of Taxation will not otherwise change the present scale or disturb the or- ganisation which has dealt with and
the Tax collected
to date. up I wish, Sir, to associate myself with the remarks made by my Col- leagues in regard to the lack of ad- ministrative ability and slackness dis- played by several Heads of important Government departments.
I express the hope that independent Committees of enquiry will soon be instituted to make close scrutiny into the running of these departments, and that these enquiries will be the means of correcting the grievances we are complaining of, though I have doubts whether there can be perma- nent satisfaction, until the present system in the Service, which seems to
and initiative discourage
ability, comes to an end. (Applause).
OFFICIAL REPLY
MR BUTTERS ANSWERS CRITICS
NEW TAXATION NOT OPPRESSIVE
BOOM IN COLONY
Replying for the Government, the Financial Secretary said: Mr President, may I preface my reply by thanking the senior Unofficial Mem- bers, European and Chinese, for their generous remarks regarding myself and express my gratitude to all Mem- bers of Finance Committee for their co-operation while I have been Finan- cial Secretary. I would add parenthe. tically for the information of the Hon. Mr M. K. Lo that the point he raised in connection with the War Revenue Ordinance regarding Chinese partner- ships has already been taken up by me with the Commissioner of War Taxation.
Sir, I shall confine myself to the financial aspects of certain criticism which has to-day been made by the Hon. Unofficial Members. That criti- cism has been directed mainly, not to the details of the estimates of expen- diture as now presented, but to improve it. I have never viewed the expenditure programme as ideal, but I submit it is necessary. It omits many items highly desirable. No one who has not attended meetings of the Estimates Committee, which deals with departmental schemes, can realise
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