1934-11-01 — Page 1

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 205

1st November, 1934.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Finance Committee was held in the Council Chamber, the acting Colonial Secretary (Hon. Mr. D. W. Tratman, C.M.G.) presiding.

ALSO PRESENT:―

THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. E. TAYLOR).

HON. MR. R. M. HENDERSON, (Director of Public Works).

HON. SIR WILLIAM SHENTON, KT.

HON. MR. C. G. S. MACKIE.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL, C.M.G., LL.D.

HON. MR. S. W. TS'O, O.B.E., LL.D.

HON. MR. T. N. CHAU.

HON. MR. J. OWEN HUGHES.

MR. H. R. BUTTERS (Deputy Clerk of Councils).

ABSENT:―

HON. MR. J. P. BRAGA.

HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL.

Votes totalling $143,670, contained in Message No. 15 from H.E. the Governor, were considered.

Item 104.―21, Prison Department.―20, Subsistence of Prisoners $34,000.

HON. MR. T'SO.―I should like to know if the numbers of prisoners given includes hawkers.

THE CHAIRMAN.―Yes, it includes them. They have got to have their rations according to the scale and regulations.

HON. MR. T'SO.―It works out at over $100 each?

206 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE CHAIRMAN.―Yes, $100 is not very much. All the rations of prisoners in gaol came under review quite recently when there was troubles there. It was thought necessary to increase the rations in various directions.

HON. MR. T'SO.―Some of them are only there temporarily?

THE CHAIRMAN.―Yes, but they have to be fed while they are there. You cannot say to them―'You are only here seven days so you will only get half rations.'

HON. MR. T'SO.―The average number of other prisoners is, I presume, higher over the whole year. I was only asking for information.

All the votes were approved.