asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the action of policemen sent by the Hong Kong authorities to compel the Chinese residents in Takuling to destroy their homes on 6th November last, when more than 400 houses were destroyed and about 3,000 persons rendered homeless in wintry weather; and whether this action was taken with the approval of His Majesty's Government.

My hon. Friend has been misinformed. No destruction of homes took place on 6th November in Takuling, nor at any date have 3,000 persons been forced by the police to destroy their homes or "rendered homeless in wintry weather."