CO129-604-4 Immigration- control over entry from China 7-3-1947 - 5-11-1947 — Page 19

Extract from Official Report 6712-3-47

195

HONG KONG

Immigration

18. Mr. W. Fletcher asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the increase in the population of Hong Kong, as far as can be ascertained, in 1946; and at what monthly rate immigration is taking place in 1947.

Mr. Creech Jones: The increase in the population of Hong Kong in 1946 is esti- mated at between 500,000 and 600,000. The monthly rate of immigration in 1947 is estimated at 10,000.

Mr. Fletcher: While realising that this is a great compliment to British rule in Hong Kong, may I ask the Secretary of State what steps he proposes taking to see that this enormous influx from China does not create an impossible situation from the feeding and housing point of view beyond the capacity of the very efficient local government to handle?

Mr. Creech Jones: Yes, we fully appre- ciate the considerable difficulties in the control of immigration; it does impose a very great strain on the British adminis- tration in Hong Kong. These are prob- lems which are exercising our attention.

Sir Ronald Ross: Is this not largely due to the fact that the International Settle- ment in Shanghai is going back to Chinese control and the citizens of Shanghai are trying to get under British rule?

Mr. Creech Jones: Oh, no. The situa- tion is a little more complex than that. Hong Kong attracts people from all parts of China who wish to get away from the regime in China.

Sir W. Smithers: In view of the increase in population and of the necessity for our exports, would the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Minister of Transport to see that no ships of ours go to the Far East with empty holds?