工商業管理處年報 Commerce and Industry Department Annaul Report 1955-1956

Library Book No.351.06

HONG KONG

ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT

BY THE

DIRECTOR OF

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

FOR THE

FINANCIAL YEAR 1955-56

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY W. F. C. JENNER, GOVERNMENT PRINTER,

AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS,

JAVA ROAD, HONG KONG.

1109

5574 COM 56

1109

MARINS DEPARTMENT LIBRARY

Official Exchange Rates for the H.K. dollar

The official rate for conversion to pounds sterling is H.K.$16=£1 (H.K.$1=1/3d.). The official rate for converting to U.S. dollars is H.K.$5.714=U.S.$1 (based on £1-U.S.$2.80) but a more realistic, though approximate, rate based on the local fluctuating open market would be nearer H.K.$5.90=U.S.$1.

CONTENTS

Paragraphs

I-THE COLONY'S TRADE AND INDUSTRY, 1955

General

Export of Hong Kong products

Industrial Development

II-GENERAL REVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES

1 - 12

13 - 16

17. 22

Administration

Supplies & Revenue Division

Control Division

Trade Development Division

Administration Division

Revenue

Expenditure

Public Relations

III-TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE......

IV INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Industrial Sites

Other departmental activities

V-TRADE PROMOTION

General

33 - 36

37 39

Exhibitions and displays

44 - 46

Trade Publications

47 -

CONTENT S--Contd.

Paragraphs

VI-CERTIFICATION OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS

Imperial Preference Certificates and

Ordinary Certificates of Origin Comprehensive Certificates of Origin

52 57

58 - 61

VII-DUTIABLE COMMODITIES

Revenue from duties

Revenue from licences

VIII-STATISTICS

IX-TRADE CONTROLS

Import Licensing

Export Licensing

X-PREVENTIVE SERVICE

Development

Discipline

82 - 86

87 -

Searches

Arrests, seizures and convictions

Dutiable Commodities

Narcotics

Strategic Commodities

Certificates of Origin

Dangerous Goods

Bullion

Merchandise Marks Ordinance

Miscellaneous Offences

CONTENT S-Contd.

XI-RESERVED COMMODITIES AND GOVERNMENT

SUPPLIES

Rice

Frozen Meat

Coal

Firewood

Foodstuffs

Accounts

XII-BUSINESS REGISTRATION

Paragraphs

99 - 100

101 - 103

104

105 - 106

107

108

109 - 111

XIII-PERSONNEL AND OFFICE

Distribution of Staff

112 - 114

Staff Changes

115 - 122

XIV-DEPARTMENTAL WELFARE

General

123

Education

124

Leave

125

Canteen

126

Sport and Social activities

127 - 129

XV-LEGISLATION

130

XVI-REPORT ON THE LONDON OFFICE

131

Controls

132

Imperial Preference

133 - 136

British Industries Fair

137

iii

CONTENTS-Contd.

Continental Fairs

Commercial Relations

Public Relations

Other Matters

XVII-REPORT ON THE TOKYO OFFICE

Paragraphs

138

139 - 141

142 143

144 - 151

152 154

General

Inquiries

155

157

Claims

158

Trade Fairs, Visits and Meetings

159

Other activities

160 - 165

Unless the contrary is indicated, statements in the text and tables refer to the year under review and not to the calendar year.

LIST OF TABLES

MARINE DEPARTMENT I

LIBRARY

Table

Monthly value of imports, 1954 and 1955

Monthly value of exports, 1954 and 1955

3. Monthly value of imports and exports, 1955

(graphically presented)

Monthly volume of imports and exports, 1955

(graphically presented)

5. Value of exports of Hong Kong products as

classified in Trade Statistics, 1954 and 1955

Page

Volume of exports of selected Hong Kong

products, 1954 and 1955

7. Organization of the Commerce and Industry

Department

Net Revenue collected from all sources

Duty from dutiable commodities (gross)

10.

Revenue from licences for Liquor

11. Revenue from licences for Tobacco

12. Revenue from licences for Hydrocarbon Oils ...

13.

Revenue from licences for Toilet preparations

and Proprietary medicines

14.

Revenue from licences for Table waters

15. Manifests received during 1954 and 1955

LIST OF TABLES-Contd.

Table

Page

16.

Import and Export declarations received during

1954 and 1955

17.

Import and Export Licences issued 1954/55 and

1955/56

18.

Arrests, convictions and seizures

19.

Seizures of dutiable commodities

20. Seizures of dangerous drugs

21. Seizures of articles subject to Import and

Export Licensing

I- THE COLONY'S TRADE AND INDUSTRY, 1955

General

1955 was distinguished by a decided upswing in the value and volume of exports in the third quarter of the year, which resulted in the total value of the Colony's exports rising to $2,534 million, an increase of nearly 5% over the figure for 1954. The general increase is remarkable in view of the great fall ($219 million or 53%) in the value of exports to China.

2. Imports increased in value by 8%, from $3,435 million to $3,719 million. There was a marked fall in the value of imports from Europe generally, though trade with the United Kingdom increased.

3. A month by month breakdown of these figures will be found in Tables 1 and 2, the contents of which are also shown graphically in Table 3. Table 4 is a graphical representation of the monthly volumes of imports and exports in long tons.

4. The principal sources of imports and destinations of exports for 1955 are shown below in order of importance by value, and compared with figures for the same countries for 1954.

IMPORTS

EXPORTS

Country

1954

1955

Country

1954

1955

$ Million $ Million

China, mainland........

692

898

Malaya.

331

375

Japan..

465

526

U. K.

162

251

U. K.

369

441

Indonesia

225

193

U. S. A.

281

324

Korea, South

170

192

Thailand

131

186

China, mainland..

391

182

Malaya

162

151

Thailand

130

179

Germany, West.....

156

128

Indo-China

126

U. S. A:

5. The principal imports during the year were textile yarns and fabrics, $664 million; cereals, $250 million; textile fibres, $227 million; fruits and vegetables, $200 million; live animals for food, $184 million; mineral fuels, $134 million; paper, $122 million; and metals, $121 million. The principal exports were textile yarns and fabrics, $607 million; clothing, $330 million; animal and vegetable crude materials, $139 mil- lion; fruits and vegetables, $120 million; and metal manufac- tures, $104 million.

China. China remained the principal source of the Colony's purchases, and imports increased in value by $206 million over the 1954 figures, due primarily to increased ship- ments of textiles, live animals for food, cereals, vegetable oils, and paper. The greater part of these imports was for consump- tion in the Colony. Exports declined in value by $219 million, due largely to greatly reduced exports of dyes, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

7. United Kingdom. Both imports from and exports to the United Kingdom increased in value. The rise in imports was due mainly to larger shipments of metals, motor vehicles, textiles, textile fibres and machinery, while the rise in exports was attributable to increased purchases of textile yarns and piecegoods, clothing and footwear. During 1955, the United Kingdom was the largest purchaser of goods manufactured in Hong Kong.

8. Japan. Imports from Japan increased in value by $61 million, more than half of which was accounted for by textile yarns and piecegoods. Exports also increased in value, due mainly to cereals, ores and scrap metals.

9. Indonesia.

Trade with Indonesia was on a lower level than in 1954, with imports falling by $6 million and exports by $32 million.

10. United States of America. Imports from the United States increased in value, due mainly to increased shipments of textile yarns and piecegoods, paper, machinery and metals. Exports also increased by $18 million.

)

11. Thailand. A rise in imports from Thailand of $55 million was due almost wholly to more normal purchases of rice. Exports also improved, particularly textile yarns and piecegoods.

12. Indo-China. There was a significant increase, 67%, in the Colony's export trade with Indo-China, the principal com- modities concerned being textile yarns, piecegoods, and non- electrical machinery.

Export of Hong Kong Products

13. Some 29% of the total value of exports in 1955 was attributable to goods of Hong Kong manufacture. The figure for these exports, $730 million, represented an increase of 7% over the figure for 1954. A breakdown of the figures is given in Table 5.

14. Cotton piecegoods and cotton yarn remain at the head of the Colony's principal exports. The year was a good one for the footwear industry, which exported 46% more by volume · than in the previous year. Other noteworthy increases in volume among more important exports were in the vacuum flask industry (27%), electric torch industry (17%), towel industry (32%) and metal lantern industry (21%). Table 6 records changes in the volume of exports of the most important local products.

15. The principal destinations of exports of the Colony's products during 1955 are indicated in the table below, in order of importance by value:

1954 $ million

1955 $ million

United Kingdom

139

Malaya

103

Indonesia

155

Thailand

West Africa (British)

Indo-China

South Korea

16. The very large increase in exports to the United Kingdom consisted mainly of cotton piecegoods, together with some yarn and manufactured cotton articles. Trade with Indonesia declined still further and that country fell from first to third in importance as an outlet for Hong Kong products. On the other hand exports to Africa generally continued to rise steadily, and there was a heartening increase in trade with Indo-China.

Industrial Development

17. The Colony's industry continued to make progress. As in previous years, major interest centred on expanding and improving established industries, but several new ventures, including the manufacture of plastic bottles, nylon hairnets, alarm clocks and underwater swimming apparatus, were intro- duced.

18. The most striking expansion was recorded in the number of concerns engaged in manufacturing wearing apparel, which rose from 99 in 1954 to 182 in 1955. Concerns manu- facturing plasticware rose from 43 to 91. An important development within this industry was the use of polythene. Numerous articles are now available in this pliant material.

19. Cotton weaving and spinning retained their lead as the Colony's most important industries for export. Two spinning mills were established during the year bringing the number of spindles in operation up to 300,844.

20. Shipbuilding was active, and the year saw the launching of two motor vessels of 5,790 gross tons and the completion of an order from the United Nations Korean Recon- struction Agency for 10 diesel trawlers. Many other orders for launches and lighters were also completed. In June, the local industry was awarded a contract to build 30 oil barges for the Burma Inland Water Transport Board. Steel rolling, amongst other heavy industries, gained considerable ground.

21. An encouraging feature was the advance made by several of the Colony's smaller industries which have in the past attracted less attention. These included the manufacture of

wood, rattan and bamboo furniture, and pearl and plastic buttons. Overseas demand for these items, particularly from the United States in the case of furniture and the United Kingdom for buttons, increased notably, and in the last twelve months ten new concerns manufacturing furniture and seven button factories were established.

22. The many other advances made in local industry are too numerous to record in detail but a few of the more notable may be mentioned. Thirty-eight new knitting factories were established during the year, several of which were glove, hosiery and underwear factories using nylon elastic yarn. Eleven more rubber shoe factories were set up. Locally manufactured articles in characteristic Chinese designs, such as embroidered slippers, ivory ornaments and carved wood novelties, continued to attract attention from the large number of tourists passing through the Colony.

II — GENERAL REVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL

ACTIVITIES

Administration

23. The year was characterized by considerable changes in the organization of the department consequent on the curtail- ment of trading activities, substitution of a quantitative control of strategic commodities for a control based on essentiality, good progress in the final stages of the reorganization of the Preventive Service, substantial improvements in the administra- tion of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, and increased trade promotion activities. A chart showing the organization of the department as it was at the end of the year will be found at Table 7. The new organization is working well.

Supplies & Revenue Division

24. Curtailment of Government trading activities enabled the Supplies Division office in 9, Ice House Street to be closed and its staff to be reduced from 88 to 56. The residual functions

of the Supplies Division were combined with the administration of the Business Regulation Ordinance and the collection of revenue under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance in a new division styled the Supplies and Revenue Division. The administration of the Business Regulation Ordinance and the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance was formerly the responsibility of the Administration Division and the Revenue Division respectively.

Control Division

25. Substitution of a quantitative control of strategic com- modities for a control based on essentiality was made possible by the addition of two new fast launches to the Preventive Service fleet and by information gathered over several years on the normal requirements of local industries in the way of strategic materials. The Essential Supplies Branch of the Control Division (formerly designated the Revenue Division) was disbanded during the year and a Quantitative Control Section incorporated in the Trade Licensing Branch.

26. The Assistant Director in charge of the Control Division retained his responsibilities for supervision of the Preventive Service, the Inspectorate establishment of which was increased from 42 to 52 posts, the number of Revenue Officer posts rising also from 202 to 246. The Preventive Service in addition to its normal duties of enforcing excise regulations is charged with the enforcement of licensing controls, its enhanced responsibilities being recognized this year by the creation of four new posts of Senior Revenue Inspector. There are now seven Senior Inspectors in charge of the following sections: Marine, New Territories, Land, Prosecutions, Special (Nar- cotics), Excise and Industry Inspection, the latter two with their staffs being seconded to the Supplies and Revenue Division and the Trade Development Division respectively. The organi- zation of the Preventive Service was clarified and discipline substantially tightened up during the year. The addition of new modern vessels and several more promotion posts improved the morale of the service considerably.

MAINE DEPARTMENT LIBRARY

)

Trade Development Division

27. The Trade Development Division consolidated the expansion of the previous year and also broadened its activities during the year under review. The Division was divided into four sections dealing with:

(a) Trade inquiries and trade promotion generally.

(b) Trade publications.

(d) Comprehensive and other similar Certificates of Origin for locally produced Chinese-type goods exported to the United States.

The Division maintained a close liaison with the London and Tokyo offices of the Hong Kong Government and was responsible for the organization of the Colony's participation in the Canadian International Trade Fair in Toronto and the British Industries Fair in London.

28. As the Colony's industrial expansion proceeded, so the amount of work within the Division increased. It was most noticeable from correspondence received during the year that Hong Kong products were not only becoming better known overseas, but were also acquiring a better reputation for quality. Unfortunately the year was not without its difficulties, the most noticeable being the increasing tendency on the part of certain countries, and particularly those of South East Asia, to protect their own industries with tariff barriers. Hong Kong products suffered from these restrictions in many widely separated parts of the world, but with their usual adaptability, manufacturers and merchants succeeded in developing new markets to offset losses.

Administration Division

29. An Industry Section was set up during the year as part of the Administration Division; it is proposed to raise its status to that of a Division when the staffing position permits.

In the meantime the section was primarily concerned with co- ordination of the work of departments associated with the development of the Kun Tong industrial reclamation and relations with industrialists interested in Kun Tong.

Revenue

30. Revenue collected by the department amounted to $95,533,085, or an increase of $2,341,299 over the previous year. Details are given in Table 8. The increase of more than $6.3 million in revenue from dutiable commodities was partly offset by a decrease of nearly $2 million in the revenue from Business Registration fees. 1954/55 collections of Business Registration fees included a considerable volume of arrears brought forward from the previous year.

Expenditure

31. Expenditure from departmental votes amounted to $4,465,337, $621,103 under the estimate. Of the total, expendi- ture on personal emoluments amounted to $3,971,445 being $350,373 more than in the previous year. The staff employed increased from 549 to 621, the latter figure now including staff totalling 13 in the London and Tokyo offices.

Public Relations

32. The department continued to maintain close and effective liaison with trade commissioners and foreign consular officials in the Colony and to receive advice and assistance from the several Chambers of Commerce and the Chinese Manufac- turers' Union, more particularly through the medium of the Trade and Industry Advisory Committee. Relations with local merchants and manufacturers remained cordial, and the continued cooperation of all these organizations and individuals is gratefully acknowledged.

III — TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY

COMMITTEE

33. The Trade and Industry Advisory Committee has the following terms of reference:

"To advise the Director of Commerce and Industry on

all matters, other than labour, which affect the Colony's trade and industry".

It consists of the Director of Commerce and Industry as Chair- man, two members appointed by the Colonial Secretary, and one representative each from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Manufacturers' Union. The Secretary of the Depart- ment is Secretary of the Committee. The Chairman is empowered to co-opt advisers and to appoint sub-committees.

34. On 1st January, 1955, and until the end of the year, the Committee was constituted as follows:

The Director of Commerce and Industry (Chairman). The Honourable Kwok Chan, O.B.E. and the Honour- able Dhun Ruttonjee, representatives appointed by the Colonial Secretary. (Mr. Ruttonjee re- placed Mr. J. H. Hamm).

Col. J. D. Clague, C.B.E., M.C., representative of the

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Singnam Choy, representative of the Chinese

General Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. U Tat Chee, O.B.E., representative of the Chinese

Manufacturers' Union.

35. The Committee met ten times during the year and gave valuable advice on a wide range of subjects including, to name only some, industrial development; participation in trade fairs overseas; the 13th Annual Exhibition of Hong Kong Products; problems concerning specific local industries and trade with specific countries abroad; trade controls; and publications, including the Trade Bulletin and the Commerce, Industry and Finance Directory.

36. The work of members of the Trade and Industry Advisory Committee, who have devoted so much of their time and energy in assisting the department with their advice and in providing an effective means of liaison with local commercial and industrial interests is gratefully acknowledged.

IV — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Industrial Sites

37. The Industry Section of the department was concerned during the year principally with co-ordination of planning associated with the extensive Government reclamation at Kun Tong, which is destined to be a new industrial area with full ancillary services, both economic and social. The working committee on Kun Tong under the Chairmanship of the Director held many meetings and presented its report towards the end of the year.

38. Further expansion of local industry is hampered by the shortage, and consequent high cost, of suitable land for indus- trial sites, and the development at Kun Tong is expected to have a significant effect on the efficiency of local industry. In September 1955, it was announced that as far as could be fore- seen, an initial 431 acres in the new industrial area at Kun Tong would become available in 1956, with an additional 15 acres by mid-1957. At the same time, intending applicants for industrial sites at Kun Tong were invited to provide certain preliminary information as to their purpose and needs in order that more detailed planning of the area could be undertaken. The information so obtained was of prime importance in the preparation of the Working Committee's report referred to in the preceding paragraph.

39. The Section kept itself informed of the considerable development taking place in other industrial areas in the Colony, and maintained a close liaison with the Crown Lands & Survey Office of the Public Works Department.

Other departmental activities

40. During the year, fresh ground was broken by efforts made to interest United Kingdom firms of Industrial Consultants in establishing branch offices in the Colony. In all, 57 firms were approached and a number of meetings were arranged by the London Office to discuss the matter with those interested. The attitude of local firms towards using the services of indus- trial consultants is inclined to be apathetic.

41. An important aim of the department is not only to encourage the development and expansion of local industry, but also to assist in resolving many minor problems confronting local manufacturers. In this connexion, the Industry Section has been in close touch with the Chinese Manufacturers' Union on the question of arranging Industrial Management courses in the United Kingdom for managers or students likely to benefit from such courses. Assistance was also given to several manufac- turers who approached the department direct on this matter.

42. Progress in other fields of assistance towards industrial development has been limited due to the lack of trained staff. During the year Mr. T. D. Sorby (Assistant Director) completed a course of study, which included Industrial Development methods in Canada, under a fellowship granted by the United Nations Technical Assistance Administration. Mr. W. E. Manson (Trade Officer) took a course in Industrial Management while on leave in the United Kingdom. With their return to the department, it is the intention to establish an Industrial Development Division and to embark on a programme of more active assistance to local manufacturers.

General

V — TRADE PROMOTION

43. The work of the section concerned with trade promotion continued to expand. Numerous inquiries were dealt with and an increasing number of minor commercial disputes were success- fully settled. Suitable contacts and factory visits were arranged for the large number of business visitors to the Colony who called on the department.

Exhibitions and displays

44. Through the co-operation of the Royal Interocean Lines, the first travelling display of Hong Kong products was installed in the m.v. "Ruys" in November, 1955. The display was in a showcase centrally located in order to attract the attention of all passengers and visitors boarding the vessel. Plans were made for a similar display cabinet to be installed on the m.v. “Tegelberg", a sister ship, early in the new year. By careful planning of the layout and by making these two cabinets complementary to each other, it is hoped to advertise, in the course of the next twelve months, a full range of Hong Kong's light industries to tourists and businessmen in Singapore, Mauritius, East and South Africa, and the eastern ports of South America. A selection of trade publications was handed to the ship's staff for distribution to visitors boarding the vessels at the various ports of call. The installation of additional show- cases is being considered on vessels calling at other ports, thereby introducing Hong Kong's products to other parts of the world.

45. For the first time Hong Kong participated in the Canadian International Trade Fair, which was held in Toronto from 30th May to 10th June, 1955. A comprehensive range of Hong Kong products was shown and during the ten days of the Fair a very encouraging number of firm business inquiries were recorded. The Assistant Director, Trade Development, attended this Fair as one of the Colony's two representatives, the other being Mr. P. G. Williams, representative of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The Public Relations Office pamphlet "Hong Kong" was given to every caller, and interested buyers were also handed copies of the Commerce, Industry and Finance Directory, 1955, and other trade publications.

46. Once again this section assisted the Chinese Manufac- turers' Union in overseas advertising of and preparing for the 13th Exhibition of Hong Kong Products, which was opened on 2nd December, 1955, and lasted one month. An innovation at this Exhibition was the introduction of a special display of industrial machinery.

Trade Publications

47. The overseas circulation of the monthly Trade Bulletin produced by the department rose to 8,500 copies. It is encour- aging to note that letters of appreciation were received from many recipients. The average number of local sales of the Trade Bulletin was approximately 900 copies per month.

48. In April 1955, the "Commerce, Industry and Finance Directory", prepared and issued by the department, was published. This directory was a combination of the former "Hong Kong British Industries Fair Directory" and the "Commercial Guide". For the first time in a Government publication advertisers were encouraged to use colour in their advertisements. During the year under review, over 17,000 copies of the Directory were distributed free of charge to overseas inquirers.

49. An increasing number of local businessmen are making use of the publications available in the Commercial Reference Library. The names and details of all new books and publica- tions received were listed in the Trade Bulletin.

50. This section also distributed approximately 1,000 copies each of the Hong Kong Annual Report, 1955 and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Report for 1955 to Chambers of Commerce and other suitable addressees overseas.

51. Two thousand copies of a special pamphlet "Hong Kong at Toronto" were prepared and despatched for distribution by the Colony's representatives at the Canadian International Trade Fair.

VI — CERTIFICATION OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS

Imperial Preference Certificates and Ordinary Certificates of

Origin

52. Departmental liaison with overseas customs authorities was considerably improved. The system of control and inspec- tion of commodities leaving the Colony under certification was tightened further, with the result that many doubts about the genuineness of Hong Kong products were removed.

53. A new phase in Commonwealth co-operation opened with visits from customs authorities from Malaya and Borneo. From the personal contacts made as a result of these visits have sprung ties of mutual benefit.

54. Inspection of factories continued unabated throughout the year and many factories which had moved or gone out of business were deleted from the list of those registered with the department. At the end of the year 2,520 factories were registered for issue of certificates.

55. Over 27,000 inspections of factories and goods were carried out during 1955 in connexion with Hong Kong Govern- ment Certificates of Origin of all kinds and Imperial Preference Certificates. This was almost treble the number carried out during 1954. The number of such certificates issued rose to 141,405 from 121,580 in 1954.

56. Total revenue collected for all types of certificates in 1955 was $1,271,155 as compared with $920,810 in 1954.

57. Vigorous action was taken in cases of abuse of the system of granting certificates of origin and a number of manu- facturers and exporters were successfully prosecuted.

Comprehensive Certificates of Origin

58. During the year the number of Comprehensive Certificates of Origin issued for Chinese-type exports to the United States continued to increase. Tourist Certificates of Origin in particular proved very popular.

59. The number of locally manufactured Chinese-type items cleared for export rose from 66 to 94 in the period under review. The items added during the year are listed below:-

Amethyst stones and jewellery

Bambooware (machine made from Formosan bamboo) Bronze imitation antiques

Ceramics

Chinese ink (liquid)

Cotton rag rugs

Crustacea (fresh frozen)

Dried bean fertilizer

Electric table lamps made from Bali wooden heads

Embroidered handbags and boxes

Fish, i.e.

Canned mullet

Fish, fresh frozen

Garnet stones and jewellery Jade jewellery Lacquerware

Lemons, red and yellow

Lotus roots

Mushrooms

Peridot stones and jewellery

Silk and/or rayon embroidered articles Straw manufactures

Tigereye stones and jewellery

Tourmaline stones and jewellery

Vinegar, white, red and black Wallpaper (hand-painted)

Wampei

Wooden novelties

Yams

60. The number of certificates issued rose to 35,221 from 21,463 in 1954.

61. The Comprehensive Certificates Section, in addition, continued to issue ordinary Certificates of Origin for exports to the United States not affected by the Foreign Assets Control Regulations of the United States Treasury Department.

VII — DUTIABLE COMMODITIES

Revenue from duties

62. Net revenue from duties as compared with collections in the previous year are summarized in the following table and given in greater detail in Table 9:

1954/55

1955/56

Tobacco

35,931,744

37,356,960

Hydrocarbon oils

19,411,374

22,051,407

Liquor

18,461,926

20,451,426

Toilet preparations and

proprietary medicines

3,187,458

3,418,036

Table waters

1,902,655

1,982,960

78,895,157 85,260,789

Increase in 1955/56 $6,365,632

63. Tobacco retained its customary role as the principal source of revenue with an increase of roughly $1.4 million over 1954/55.

64. Second to tobacco, and showing an even greater increase over the previous year, came hydrocarbon oils, with an increase of over $2.6 million. The further increase is a consequence of continued expansion of the Colony's industries and greater use of electric power, mostly generated from oil-fired furnaces, more road transport vehicles, and the continuing upward trend in the use of kerosene as cooking fuel.

65. The increase of approximately $2 million in liquor duties can be attributed partly to increased consumption and partly to an increase in the rates of duty which came into force on 29th November, 1955.

66. Despite stricter control over the collection of duty from toilet preparations and proprietary medicines, the yield remains disappointingly low, being only about $230,000 more than last year's low figure of $3,187,458. There is probably still a con- siderable amount of evasion.

67. Table waters continued to provide a steady revenue of nearly $2 million, the increase over last year being roughly $80,000.

Revenue from licences

68. Revenue from licences for dutiable commodities showed no appreciable differences from the previous year, as may be seen from the table below:

1954/55

1955/56

Liquor

867,067

960,716

Tobacco

387,755

373,368

Hydrocarbon oils

21,722

38,692

Toilet preparations and

proprietary medicines

124,789

139,557

Table waters

6,043

6,522

1,518,855

1,407,376

Details of licences issued and revenue derived therefrom are

given in Tables 10 - 14.

VIII - STATISTICS

69. There were no developments in the Statistical Branch during the year, but itemized and summarized trade statistics continued to be compiled within a few days of the end of each month, and throughout the year printed trade statistics were available to the public within a month of the period to which they related. Import and export declarations received in 1955 totalled 638,133, as compared with 592,148 in 1954.

70. Revenue derived from trade declarations, landing cer- tificates, ships' manifests, statistical services rendered to firms, etc. totalled $651,783 during the year. Tables 15 and 16 show the numbers of manifests and import and export declarations received during each month of 1954 and 1955.

71. Besides trade statistics, the work of the office included routine services for the Royal Observatory, the Urban Services Department, the Criminal Investigation and Traffic Branches of the Police Force, returns to the United Nations and its specialized agencies, collection of retail comm dity prices and the compila- tion of the Retail Price Index, and the preparation of the monthly Statistical Supplement to the Government Gazette. An analysis of tuition fees in schools in the Colony was made for the Educa- tion Department, together with a tabulation of pupils according to age and sex.

72. The Retail Price Index figures for the end of each quarter of 1955, on the basis March 1947-100, were as follows:

March June Sept. Dec.

I. Food (including drink)

118

115

124

120

II. Rent

119

III.

Clothing (including footwear)

IV.

Fuel, light and cleaning:

(a) Fuel

(b) Electric light

101

282

March

June

Sept.

Dec.

Other items:

(i) Education

138

140

(ii) Tobacco and cigarettes

113

(iii) Doctors and medicines

106

105

(iv) Fares

100

(v) Household equipment

114

113

110

(vi) Hairdressing

122

(vii) Newspapers and stationery

153

(viii) Shoe repairs

(ix) Rates

100

General Retail Price Index

114

112

117

115

Import Licensing

IX — TRADE CONTROLS

73. The policy of relying for the control of strategic commodities less on import licensing and more on export control as the latter form of control became more effective was carried a stage further and a number of significant changes were made. The Essential Supplies Certificate system, which had been originally conceived in 1951 for the purpose of ensuring supplies from the U.S.A. for local industry and which was later used as a means of controlling the import of all strategic commodities for local use, was abolished on 2nd May, 1955 and replaced by a much simpler system of quantitative control. In December this control was itself liberalized so as to permit importers to keep larger stocks of strategically less important goods.

74. Apart from control of strategic goods, import licensing remained in force for exchange control reasons on imports from a very few countries, notably Japan, and for a few commodities such as gold and diamonds.

75. Procedural changes in import licensing in regard to all licensable commodities were also introduced with the co-operation of the shipping companies, as from 2nd May, 1955, in order to improve the system of checking arrivals of goods.

76. Delivery Verification Certificates were also brought into use from the same date. These are issued on application by importers and serve to verify to overseas governments that the strategic goods exported from their countries have been brought under the Hong Kong export controls. 461 certificates at $5 each were issued up to the end of 1955.

77. Altogether, 90,660 import licences were issued during the year of which 25,556 were in respect of goods on the strategic list. This compares with 73,632 issued in 1954 and 92,673 issued in 1953. Monthly figures of import licences issued are given in Table 17.

78. During the second half of the year many cargoes of strategic goods long frozen in godowns under the Emergency Regulations were released to their owners for use within the Colony or for export to approved destinations.

Export Licensing

79. In conformity with the spirit of the United Nations Resolution of 19th May, 1951 export controls on strategic materials continued to be strictly applied, but a few shipments were permitted under internationally agreed procedures where the end-use of the commodity was of no strategic significance.

80. Apart from control of strategic commodities, export licensing was maintained on certain types of transactions for exchange control or, to a lesser extent, supply reasons. Export licences issued during the year totalled 193,991, the highest number ever recorded and reflects the gradual improvement in trade. The figure compares with 178,669 issued in 1954 and 161,952 in 1953. Monthly figures for export licences issued are given in Table 17.

81. Towards the end of the year it became noticeable that Mainland China was itself exporting strategic goods not only to Hong Kong but through Hong Kong for transhipment to other countries. These goods included galvanized iron wire, glycerine, phenol, asbestos and asbestos products, calcium carbide and steel products. One such shipment of steel products on a Through Bill totalled over 6,000 tons.

X-PREVENTIVE SERVICE

Development

82. To meet the Department's ever increasing commitments the Preventive Service, which is the uniformed and disciplined enforcement branch of the Department, was expanded, reorganized and provided with better equipment. As a result, the amount of work done by the Service was considerably greater than in previous years; this is well illustrated by the increase in case files opened:

1953

1954

1955

674

800

1,259

83. The reorganization begun in the previous year was continued; the existing three Sections were increased to seven and four additional Senior Revenue Inspectors were appointed. The new organization comprised Marine, Land, Excise, Prosecu- tion, Special (Narcotics), Industry and New Territories Sections. together with a Headquarters. The authorized establishment of the Service was increased from 247 to 300. Owing to recruit- ment difficulties however the new establishment had not been completely filled by the end of the year. The failure to bring the authorized establishment up to strength was particularly apparent in the Inspectorate, candidates with the qualifications demanded being difficult to find at the salaries authorized.

84. Towards the end of the year, the Marine Section which had hitherto mainly operated with an inadequate fleet of out of date launches was increased to eight vessels by re-equipping it with four new launches. Three of these were 70 ft. all-weather patrol vessels built in Hong Kong by the Cheoy Lee Shipyard to a Marine Department design and equipped with twin Gardner 150 h.p. diesel engines, powered dinghies and radio-telephones. In all respects except for speed they have proved most satis- factory. The other launch was built in Singapore by John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd. Powered by twin Rover Meteorite diesel engines each developing 275 b.h.p., it is capable of a speed in excess of 20 knots and, being fitted with the latest type of

radar, is eminently suitable for interception work at night. These new launches and the grant of subsistence allowances to revenue crews had a most beneficial effect on morale. On land, the Service was re-equipped with two new long wheel-base Land Rovers and a new Austin A90 headquarters' car. The total vehicle establishment increased from nine to eleven.

85. As the Service, due to these and other improvements, became more efficient, smugglers reacted violently and there were a number of physical assaults on revenue officers. After these incidents, Revenue Inspectors and Revenue Officers Class I were armed with revolvers and assaults ceased.

86. At the same time, for security and other reasons, the opportunity was taken to increase the efficiency of the service out of normal office hours by introducing a day and night system of Duty Revenue Inspector.

Discipline

87. The discipline of the Preventive Service continued to improve mainly as the result of the appointment of the four additional Senior Revenue Inspectors. At the close of the year

various proposals for improvements in training were under con- sideration. A higher standard was demanded of recruits and the services of eight Revenue Officers below standard were terminated.

88. Two Revenue Inspectors, four Revenue Officers and one Woman Revenue Officer were commended by the Director during the year. Disciplinary punishments were awarded as follows:-

Cautions

Admonishments

Reprimands

Severe Reprimands

Deferment of increment

Dismissal

Searches

89. A total of 2,190 ocean going vessels were inspected and 48,638 native craft searched within and outside the harbour limits. This compares with 2,294 and 6,432 respectively for the previous year. The remarkable increase in searches of native craft arose from many factors, including the larger fleet of launches now operating on a continuous and more efficient shift system and more effective supervision by senior officers.

In addition Macau ferry boats were searched daily. Aircraft were

checked periodically.

Arrests, seizures and convictions

90. Table 18 gives arrests, seizures and convictions during the year.

Dutiable Commodities

91. The main work of the Preventive Service continued to be connected with the control of dutiable commodities. Seizures of cigarettes, tobacco, liquor, proprietary medicines or toilet pre- parations were made every day throughout the year. Seizures of Chinese and foreign medicines increased from 2,775 and 595 packets respectively in 1954/55 to 15,125 and 8,010 packets in 1955/56. It became evident during the latter part of the year that brandy smuggling from Macau had reached sizeable pro- portions and various counter-measures had to be introduced. Details of seizures of dutiable commodities are given in Table 19.

Narcotics

92. Anti-narcotic measures were much improved as the result of the appointment of a Senior Revenue Inspector charged solely with anti-narcotic duties and the creation, in the latter part of the previous year, of a Narcotics Bureau under the Police responsible for the general coordination of anti-narcotic measures throughout the Government and for the collection and dissemina- tion of intelligence relating to narcotics. Though many teething

)

MARINE DEPARTMENT LIBRARY

troubles were experienced, and the organization is as yet far from perfect, the results achieved more than justified the greater expenditure of manpower. At the end of the year narcotics control was still a major problem. Details of seizures are given in Table 20.

Strategic Commodities

93. Smuggling of strategic commodities, except of hydro- carbon oils (mainly kerosene), declined considerably in compari- son with the previous year and consequently the volume of seizures effected was much smaller. The decline has been attri- buted to the greater effectiveness of the Colony's export controls and to the increasing ease of shipments to Mainland China from Europe as a result of diversions via Eastern Europe. The main concern of the Preventive Service was directed to the curbing of kerosene smuggling, the demand for which in South China, principally, it is believed, for domestic lighting purposes, con- tinued unabated; 449 tons were seized during the year compared with only 371⁄2 tons in the previous year. Seizures of diesel oil and lubricating oil were also much higher. Details of seizures of petroleum products and other strategic commodities are recorded, inter alia, in Table 21.

Certificates of Origin

94. During the year revenue officers attached to the Trade Development Division, though numbering less than twenty, made over 25,000 inspections in connexion with Certificates of Origin, Comprehensive Certificates of Origin and Letters of Support. Although 16 false declarations were detected compared with none recorded during the previous year, a number of false declarations are believed to have escaped attention. Revenue staff on these duties are consequently being augmented and the system of inspection and checking improved.

Dangerous Goods

95. Though responsibility for the enforcement of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance lies primarily with the Fire Brigade

and secondarily with the Marine Department and Police, revenue officers detected 105 infringements of the Ordinance during the course of the year. They were uncovered by accident in the course of investigations into the illegal export of kerosene, and the Preventive Service thereby materially assisted the Fire Brigade in reducing the fire hazard in the illegal storage of this commodity.

Bullion

96. Gold seizures totalled 783 lbs. of bullion in various forms and 300 gold coins. These seizures included one of the largest ever made. 5,287 taels were found mixed with sugar on the s.s. Nellore on 15.6.55; Court proceedings had not been completed at the close of the year.

Merchandize Marks Ordinance

97. Eight infringements were detected as against four in the previous year.

Offences under this Ordinance have been

increasing as local industry has expanded.

Miscellaneous Offences

98. 61 miscellaneous offences were uncovered compared with 37 during the previous year. These were connected with Dangerous Goods, Trade Marks, Antibiotics, Agricultural Poisons, Navigation offences, Explosives, and breaches of various Defence & Emergency regulations. Details of seizures in connexion with the above paragraphs are recorded in Table 18.

XI RESERVED COMMODITIES AND GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES

Rice

99. The importation of rice continued to be confined during the year to 29 approved commercial importers who were granted import quotas in return for their undertaking to maintain stocks totalling not less than 35,000 tons at all times. 258,696 tons of

rice were imported in the year ended 31st March, 1956 as follows:

Source

Tons

Thailand

154,780

59.8

Burma

48,423

18.7

China

41,843

16.2

Pakistan

11,040

4.3

Indo-China

2,360

East Africa

230

Australia

258,696

100.0

100. Although there was some public criticism of the quota scheme from time to time on the grounds of alleged profiteering, the scheme worked reasonably well on the whole and may be said to have fulfilled its purpose adequately. Prices on the local market were at no time significantly out of line with those in producing countries and there was no difficulty in obtaining supplies.

Frozen Meat

101. The arrangements made in March 1955 for the importa- tion of frozen meat on a quota system were continued during the year under review. Six importers were granted quotas in return for undertakings to maintain stipulated reserve stocks. One firm retired from the scheme during the year and one new firm took its place, the general position remaining unchanged.

102. Some flexibility was introduced into the meat quota arrangements with effect from 1st October, 1955, whereby importers were enabled to apply for limited increases or decreases in their quotas, subject to proportionate changes in their guaranteed stockholdings. The net result of this arrange- ment was an increase of 224 tons in the quotas granted during the year ended 31st March, 1956.

103. Total imports of frozen meat during the year were 2,972 tons, as follows:-

Source

Total Tons

Australia

New Zealand

China

U. S. A. Canada India Holland

Beef..

1,965

1,567

367

Mutton.....

329

271

Pork......

225

154

Offals......

453

281

Total... 2,972 2,183

227

434

The importation of live cattle continued to increase, the total for the year being 22,711 tons cold dressed weight as compared with 17,043 tons in the previous year.

Coal

104. At the beginning of the financial year the importation of coal was restricted to eleven registered stockholders, but these restrictions were relaxed on 1st December, 1955 and import licences were granted from that date to any importer with adequate facilities for handling the importation of coal. Coal remains a scheduled reserved commodity.

Firewood

105. The arrangements for maintaining the Government firewood stockpile were overhauled during the year with a view to securing better quality wood and more satisfactory turnover. In this way it is hoped to reduce to a minimum the losses arising from evaporation and deterioration. Arrangements for sawing and chopping the wood were also put in hand to facilitate distribution.

)

106. Total imports of firewood during the year were as

follows:

North Borneo

Malaya

China

Source

Others .....

Total

Imports Tons

Government Imports Tons

Commercial

Imports

Tons

38,124

23,313

14,811

36,681

112,939

412

188,156

23,313

164,843

10,679 tons of Government wood were sold in the year ended 31st March, 1956 at an average price of $4.64 per picul as compared with 8,378 tons at $4.36 per picul in the previous year.

Foodstuffs

107. Reserve stocks of certain essential foodstuffs were maintained and turned over during the year.

Accounts

108. The net expenditure incurred on maintaining the Government stockpiles for the year was $1,263,386.98, repre- senting the difference between expenditure on supplies, storage, etc. and the proceeds of sales. The net loss for the year, after revaluation of stocks at 31st March, 1956 on the basis of the lower of current market value or landed cost, was $1,486,597.

XII BUSINESS REGISTRATION

109. Modifications were introduced during the year in the procedure for collection of registration fees and for dealing with appeals. As a consequence, it was possible to make substantial

progress with the overtaking of arrears. The position at 31st March, 1956 was as follows:

Total number of original certificates issued

Total number of applications registered

66,406

Total number of demand notes issued ...

55,595

45,243

5,915

27,681

$5,455,788

New certificates issued in 1955/56

Certificates renewed in 1955/56

Revenue collected in 1955/56

110. 127 prosecutions were successfully undertaken during the year for non-payment of fees due. The total number of appeals for reduction or remission of fees granted during the year was 9,983.

111. The task of collecting the revenue due under the Business Regulation Ordinance is one of some magnitude and the results for the year are not unsatisfactory when considered in the light of the difficulties involved.

XIII

Distribution of Staff

PERSONNEL AND OFFICE

112. A considerable reorganization of the department was effected during the year, resulting in more clearly defined responsibilities for all branches, offices, and sections and a more balanced division of responsibilities between Assistant Directors. Wholehearted cooperation by all members of the staff con- tributed to the smooth exchange of responsibilities without detriment to services to the public and, where internal move- ments were involved, without more than the absolute minimum temporary cessation of facilities.

113. At the end of the year, the numerical distribution of posts in each branch, section and office was as follows:

Directorate

London Office

Tokyo Office

}

Administration Division

Staff and Office Section

Accounts and Stores Section

Statistical Branch

Industry Section

Supplies and Revenue Division

Revenue Branch

Reserve Stocks Section

Reserved Commodities Section and

Food and Fuel Unit, E.S.C.

Business Registration Office

Trade Development Division

118

Preventive Service:

Trade Promotion Section

Imperial Preference and Certificates

of Origin Section

Comprehensive Certificates of Origin Section ...

Control Division

Trade Licensing Branch

Import Licensing Section

Export Licensing Section

Headquarters Section

Marine Section

Land Section

New Territories Section

Prosecutions Section

Narcotics Section

Excise Section

Industry Inspection Section

358

Total

621

114. There were ten vacancies unfilled in the Inspectorate of the Preventive Service and 52 vacancies for Revenue Officers, that is to say more than 21% of the authorized establishment of the Service. Of the total active strength of the department, 48 were expatriate officers.

Staff Changes

115. Mr. J. J. Cowperthwaite, Cadet Officer Class II, was appointed Acting Director of Commerce and Industry with effect from 30th January, 1956 during the absence of Mr. H. A. Angus, M.B.E., on vacation leave.

116. Mr. T. D. Sorby, Cadet Officer Class II, ceased to be an Assistant Director on proceeding on vacation leave with effect from 14th April, 1955.

117. Mr. G. T. Hole, Cadet Officer Class II, was appointed an Assistant Director with effect from 11th August, 1955. On. 17th August he took over the Supplies and Revenue Division from Mr. W. V. Dickinson, M.B.E., Cadet Officer Class II, who was transferred to the Co-operatives and Marketing Depart- ment.

118. Mr. W. E. Manson, Trade Officer, acted as an Assistant Director from 21st May to 30th June, 1955, during the absence of Mr. B. I. Barlow and went on vacation leave on 21st July, 1955.

119. Mr. J. A. M. Tinson was appointed to act as a Trade Officer with effect from 21st July, 1955 during the absence of Mr. Manson on vacation leave.

120. Mr. W. H. E. Colledge, Chief Preventive Officer, returned from vacation leave on 12th December, 1955.

121. Mr. D. H. Knox, Senior Revenue Inspector, was promoted to Deputy Chief Preventive Officer with effect from 13th November, 1954. He ceased to act as Chief Preventive Officer on 12th December, 1955 on the resumption of duty of Mr. Colledge.

122. Mr. L. C. Millington, Senior Revenue Inspector, ceased to act as Deputy Chief Preventive Officer on 12th December, 1955 on the resumption of duty of Mr. Knox.

General

XIV — DEPARTMENTAL WELFARE

123. The departmental Welfare Officer, an Assistant Direc- tor, continued to be available for approach by officers, particu- larly members of the Preventive Service, who wished to discuss matters connected with their own or their family's welfare.

Education

124. Assistance was given to various officers in placing their children in Government schools. Messengers and office attend- ants were encouraged to take English classes at the Evening Institute of the Education Department, and clerical staff to attend classes in shorthand and book-keeping at the Evening Institute or the Technical College Evening Department.

Leave

125. Leave rosters were carefully maintained, and with very few exceptions officers were able to take a minimum of twelve days casual leave during the year.

Canteen

126. The canteen for Revenue Officers on the 6th floor of the Fire Brigade Building continued to be reasonably well patronized.

Sport and Social activities

127. The "mini-soccer" team drawn from members of the Preventive Service continued to match itself regularly against other teams in the Colony and also made a visit to Macau to play against teams there.

128. Several branches of the department organized launch picnics and other excursions at intervals during the year.

129. A departmental children's party and a dance were held in December. These were believed to be the first occasions in the history of the department when all officers, from the most senior to the very junior, met at social gatherings of this nature. About 160 children were present at the party and 185 people attended the dance.

XV - LEGISLATION

130. The following new ordinances and amendments and additions to existing legislation were passed during the year:

Ordinance No. 51 of 1955

G.N. No. A 71 of 1955

G.N. No. A 76 of 1955

G.N. No. A 78 of 1955

G.N. No. A 88 of 1955

1955

G.N. No. A 89 of 1955

G.N. No. A 90 of

G.N. No. A 91

G.N. No. A 98 of 1955

G.N. No. A 99 of 1955

G.N. No. A105 of 1955

G.N. No. A122 of 1955

G.N. No. 1331 of 1955

G.N. No. A 17 of 1956

G.N. No.

50 of 1956

G.N. No. 249 of 1956

Business Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 1955.

Emergency (Agricultural Poisons) Regu- lations, 1955.

Emergency (Agricultural Poisons) Regu- lations, 1955. Corrigendum.

Emergency (Importation and Exporta- tion Ordinance) (Amendment) Regula- tions, 1955.

Diplomatic Privileges Ordinance (Chap- ter 190) Notification under Section 2. Notification under Section 2.

Notification under Section 2.

Notification under Section 2. Corrigen- dum.

Emergency (Agricultural Poisons) (Amendment) Regulations, 1955. Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Chap- ter 109) Resolution made and passed by the Legislative Council under Section 4.

Public Revenue Protection

Protection Ordinance (Chapter 120) Order.

Diplomatic Privileges Ordinance (Chap- ter 190) Notification under Section 2.

Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Chap- ter 109) Lists of general bonded ware- houses and licensed warehouses,

Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Chap- ter 109) Amendment to the lists of general bonded warehouses and licensed warehouses.

J. J. COWPERTHWAITE,

Acting Director of Commerce and Industry.

XVI - REPORT ON THE LONDON OFFICE

131. The London Office in Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, London, W.C.2, in the tenth year of its existence developed its principal activities of trade promotion and public relations. Many other matters were dealt with as the following paragraphs show.

Controls

132. Although revision of the United Kingdom Export Licensing Control over strategic materials in January 1955 placed responsibility in the hands of the Department of Com- merce and Industry as opposed to the United Kingdom Board of Trade, it was still necessary to ensure that Hong Kong policy on individual commodities was in line with the United King- dom's. Many inquiries were put to the Board for clarification of the position of certain materials, and replies were made by cable and letter to the Department. Similarly, guidance was given to exporters who wished to know which materials were subject to control.

Imperial Preference

133. Thousands of inquiries continued to be received from United Kingdom merchants, Hong Kong manufacturers and Accountants and Hong Kong merchants in connexion with the position of Hong Kong factories and their claims to relief from duty under Imperial Preference Regulations. The office keeps a record of all claims to Preference made by more than six hundred Hong Kong manufacturers and can advise on the position of any item produced in those factories. Where necessary cables are despatched to Hong Kong Accountants asking for certain information which will assist H.M. Customs in reaching a speedy decision in London. The Preference. records were supplemented during the year by details taken from the 800 letters which H.M. Customs and Excise wrote to Hong Kong Accountants.

134. Apart from providing this information and assistance, the office also helped United Kingdom producers of raw materials for industry in Hong Kong to establish an Empire content in their products which would be acceptable to H.M. Customs. Items satisfactorily dealt with included Brass Strip, Steel Wire and Phenol Formaldehyde. The work in connexion with the Empire content in British Brass Strip was particularly important in view of the fact that as from January 1956, H.M. Customs required detailed costings for all shipments of brass torch cases to the United Kingdom. Hitherto, it had been sufficient for Accountants to certify that all the Brass Strip in the factory was of United Kingdom origin and that the cost of the brass in the torch cases equalled or exceeded the cost of all other component materials.

135. Following discussions and correspondence with H.M. Customs, the scheme by which Imperial Preference Certificates could be despatched direct to collectors of Customs in U.K., was discontinued. It had been found that, contrary to earlier opinion, Hong Kong merchants did not make extensive use of the scheme.

136. Interviews were arranged at H.M. Customs' Head Office for visiting Hong Kong Accountants so that outstanding problems could be discussed and clearance facilitated for Hong Kong manufacturers. Other discussions were held in connexion with Imperial Preference affairs. The cooperative attitude of H.M. Customs in dealing with its very large amount of work on Hong Kong costings was much appreciated.

British Industries Fair

137. Once again the office was responsible for the London organization of Hong Kong's participation in the British Industries Fair. This participation created two new records; space taken at 1,080 square feet and trade inquiries recorded at 998. Details of the amount of organizing which goes into Hong Kong's representation at the Fair have been given in previous reports. It is sufficient to say that following the close of a Trade Fair of this kind planning must begin immediately for the next.

)

Continental Fairs

138. At the invitation of the Berlin Senate, the Director of the London Office attended the German Industries Fair in Berlin in September. Although it was not possible to recommend that the Colony should take part in future fairs in Berlin it was decided, following comprehensive discussions, to recommend that Hong Kong should take part in the Frankfurt Fair in the Autumn of 1956. This recommendation having been approved, planning has commenced and the office expects this new venture to prove all the preliminary work well worthwhile.

Commercial Relations

139. It can be claimed that the office is becoming widely known throughout the United Kingdom. From a card index containing details of approximately six thousand merchants and manufacturers concerned with Hong Kong trade it was possible during the year to facilitate some two thousand commercial introductions. Mostly it was possible to satisfy inquiries from office records, but where further information or wider publica- tion was required, details were sent to the Department of Commerce and Industry for research or for publication in the monthly Trade Bulletin.

United

140. Claims against Hong Kong suppliers or Kingdom buyers were investigated in collaboration with the Commerce and Industry Department generally with the result that settlement was reached without litigation. There was an increase during the year in such cases (37 as opposed to 20), but this was a reflection of the increased trade between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. It is widely acknowledged in the United Kingdom that the quality of Hong Kong products is high and although there were some claims on quality, most referred to frustrated orders.

141. Merchants in the United Kingdom and Europe were assisted in connexion with purchases of scrap metals from Hong Kong. Before export licences are granted to the Hong Kong supplier import certificates must be produced from the import- ing country. The office, after sighting these certificates, cables

confirmation to the Department at the expense of the trader, thus speeding the issue of the export licence. During the year 214 transactions were dealt with as against 80 in the previous

year.

Public Relations

142. Criticism of Hong Kong marketing in the United Kingdom continued. Hong Kong products valued at almost £12 million (double the 1954 figures) brought protests from the textile industry, umbrella, glove and garment manufacturers particularly. Wherever critics forsook fact for fiction, the office intervened by writing letters to the journals concerned. Direct approaches were made at the same time to individuals and organizations to present facts about Hong Kong industry and to offer full facilities for investigation. Press representa- tives were assisted in the production of articles about Hong Kong.

143. The office distributed literature about the Colony to schools, societies, businessmen and members of the general public. The C.I.F. Directory, the Trade Bulletin, the Public Relations Office booklet on Hong Kong and, in selected cases, the Hong Kong Annual Report were available to all interested in developing trade or taking up posts in Hong Kong. Approxi- mately three hundred inquiries were received from persons who wished to find employment in the Colony.

Other Matters

144. Advertisements were placed in United Kingdom journals in connexion with the Hong Kong Chinese Manufacturers' Union Thirteenth Annual Exhibition.

145. The Director of the London Office, as Chairman of the Steering Committee charged with the selection and organization of a property for use as a residential hostel in London for Hong Kong students, continued to hold meetings and a suitable property was located for ultimate purchase.

146. Further discussions were held with the Imperial Institute in connexion with the completion of the Hong Kong Court.

147. Assistance was given to the Hong Kong Junior Cham- ber of Commerce in arranging the exhibition at Edinburgh. Exhibits from Hong Kong were cleared and despatched to Edinburgh and were supplemented by supplies drawn from the office.

148. Several Associations and one Member of Parliament were supplied with Hong Kong exhibits and literature for dis- play at local functions.

149. At the request of the Director of Commerce and Industry the office approached over fifty Industrial Consultants in an endeavour to interest such firms in placing their services at the disposal of Hong Kong. Those which showed interest in the proposal were interviewed and details were sent to the Department.

150. At the end of the year under review the office was able to take larger accommodation on the sixth floor of Grand Buildings.

151. During the year approximately 6,500 letters were received and some 5,000 despatched. Almost 1,000 personal interviews were given. The staff consists of the Director, the Assistant Director, a senior clerk (for part of the year) a shorthand-typist, a copy typist and an office junior.

E. G. A. GRIMWOOD, Director,

Hong Kong Government Office, London.

General

XVII — REPORT ON THE TOKYO OFFICE

152. Representation of the Colony's commercial interests in Japan continued to be the function of the Hong Kong Section of the British Embassy in Tokyo. The Section was principally engaged in furthering Hong Kong's interests and presenting its views in all matters relating to trade and commerce, as well as general promotion of trade and the dissemination of informa- tion about the Colony.

153. The Colony's trade in merchandise with Japan for the financial year ending 31st March, 1956 and for the previous year, was as follows:

Imports

Exports

Total Trade

1954/55

1955/56

$510,808,000

$627,978,000

$117,653,000

$161,440,000

$628,461,000

$789,418,000

154. With this greater volume of trade between the Colony and Japan, there was a corresponding increase in requests for the assistance of the Section from Hong Kong merchant houses and their branches and representatives in Japan and from Japanese industrial and commercial firms and trade organiza- tions. This increased trade was reflected also in the establish- ment in the Colony of branches of Japanese commercial firms and of specialized trade organizations.

Inquiries

155. Numerous inquiries were received from business visitors from, and firms in, other countries concerning Hong Kong's products and in a number of cases the inquirers were contemplating the establishment of offices and factories in the Colony.

156. Requests for information on a wide variety of matters relating to the Colony and, in particular, in respect of tourist facilities and immigration requirements were a daily routine.

157. The number of visitors who called in person at the office during the year averaged 310 a month.

Claims

158. Assistance continued to be rendered in many cases of dispute between firms in Hong Kong and Japan, with a view to bringing about amicable settlement of claims.

Trade Fairs, Visits and Meetings

159. The Head of the Hong Kong Section, as the Hong Kong Government Representative in Japan, accompanied a delegation of businessmen from Hong Kong to the Japan International Trade Fair at Tokyo in April 1955 and attended meetings arranged for the delegation with Chambers of Commerce and other commercial organizations in the Kanto (Tokyo), Kansai (Osaka) areas and with representatives of the Prefectural Government and businessmen of Hokkaido. Arrangements were also made for official and business visitors from the Colony to visit industries and agriculture and other Government projects. in Japan. The Head of the Section visited, at intervals, industrial areas in Japan where he had meetings with trade. organizations to discuss commercial relations with Hong Kong. He also attended, as a guest, meetings of the Executive Com- mittee of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan. At its annual meeting he addressed the members on the Colony's trade.

Other activities

160. The Section undertook the procurement of a wide range of goods and also live stock for Hong Kong Government projects.

161. Visas granted to Japanese businessmen visiting the Colony, including those in transit to China (Mainland), totalled 1,462 for the year 1955. During the same period 130 visas were granted to businessmen in the Ryukyu Islands.

162. Assistance was given to businessmen from Hong Kong who desired to extend their stay in Japan and to others whose permits and visas for re-entry into Hong Kong had expired.

163. Publications such as the monthly "Trade Bulletin" of the Commerce and Industry Department, the Hong Kong Annual Report, etc., were distributed to inquirers in Japan and else- where who sought information concerning trade with the Colony. These, together with Hong Kong newspapers and magazines, etc., were also made available to visitors in the reading room maintained in the Section.

164. Liaison was maintained with Ministries, Embassies, Legations, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations in Japan.

165. The staff of the office consists of the Head of Section, who is First Secretary of Embassy and currently Hong Kong Government Representative in Japan, and six locally employed Japanese nationals.

W. J. ANDERSON,

Hong Kong Government Representative,

Tokyo.

January

February March

April

May

June

TABLE 1

Monthly Value of Imports, 1954 and 1955

Month

July

August

September

October

November

December

Total

Average per month

January

February

March

April May June July

August

September

October

November

December

1954

1955

268,947,690

313,998,293

229,548,761

294,526,708

285,628,790

325,633,878

275,704,362

310,609,350

275,299,565

294,885,602

301,701,791

303,207,358

287,576,636

267,026,806

270,667,511

296,491,279

305,861,220

306,929,441

298,453,920

314,400,499

300,953,324

341,263,486

335,075,655

349,944,884

3,435,419,225

3,718,917,584

286,284,935

309,909,799

TABLE 2

Monthly Value of Exports, 1954 and 1955

Month

Total.....

Average per month....

1954

1955

200,409,686

204,458,470

176,193,045

195,074,783

205,895,260

204,390,005

185,782,215

186,920,884

201,981,961

201,679,934

193,465,359

193,199,439

197,526,340

190,261,624

200,498,707

218,447,511

215,317,610

224,986,457

208,974,185

223,580,848

216,590,730

245,240,966

214,380,503

245,753,025

2,417,015,601

2,533,993,946

201,417,967

211,166,162

Table 3

MONTHLY VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, 1955

(graphically presented)

Total Imports

Imports from China

Total Exports

Exports to China

$ MILLION

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

MARINE APARTMENT LIBRARY

Table 4

MONTHLY VOLUME OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, 1955 (graphically presented)

Total Imports

Thousand

Long Tons

Total Exports

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

Imports from China

Exports to China

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

TABLE 5

Value of Exports of Hong Kong Products as

classified separately in Trade Statistics, 1954 and 1955

Commodity

1954

1955

181,488,369

182,145,715

Cotton piece goods

Cotton yarns

Footwear

Shirts

Cotton singlets

Enamelled household utensils

96,780,395 100,327,802

57,636,135

76,188,609

64,031,438 65,708,141

66,655,667 58,943,861

61,296,161 56,442,570

Plastic articles

Electric torches ....

Fruits and fruit peels, preserved, glaced or crystallized

Towels, not embroidered

Metal lanterns

Lacquers, varnishes and prepared paints

Torch batteries

Household utensils of aluminium

Bed linen, table linen and toilet linen (including towels),

embroidered...

Iron and steel bars and rounds

Vacuum flasks and jugs, complete.

Embroidered outerwear

Cement...

45,222,705 49,412,156

10,722,843

13,468,399

8,840,994

13,171,650

9,355,394

13,141,467

12,231,069

12,377,377

8,591,765

10,618,917

4,581,857

9,763,995

7,414,565 8,536,322 1,442,632 8,406,557

7,666,349 7,880,851

6,325,190 7,778,666

6,683,671 7,027,801

4,562,014 6,349,141

Torch bulbs

Iron ore

4,329,487 5,850,537

3,574,961 4,449,423

Articles of clothing (e.g., handkerchiefs, shawls, etc.)

embroidered, n.e.s.

Underwear and nightwear, embroidered

Matches

2,784,777 3,798,779 2,718,547 2,636,002 2,613,696

2,304,526

Fish, fish products, crustacea and molluscs in airtight

containers

1,306,969 1,603,329

Non-alcoholic beverages and waters (not including fruit

or vegetable juices)

1,706,074

742,803

Cigarettes....

759,210

683,256

Jams, marmalades, fruit jellies and unfermented fruit

juices

150,028

204,503

Tungsten ore (wolframite)

166,909

198,175

Seagrass

191,104

145,637

Beer (including ale, stout, porter) and other fermented

cereal beverages

48,006

11,592

Total...

681,878,981 | 730,318,559

Average per month...

56,823,248

60,859,880

TABLE 6

Volume of exports of selected Hong Kong Products,

1954 and 1955

% increase

Commodity

Unit

1954

1955

decrease

Cotton piecegoods

Sq. Yd.

162,595,120 164,730,831 + 1%

Cotton yarns

Lbs.

Cotton singlets............

Doz.

30,770,185

4,338,293

32,351,460 + 5%

3,853,425

11%

Shirts

Doz.

1,490,177 1,600,271 + 7%

Footwear

Doz. pairs

1,163,922

1,698,594 + 46%

Electric torches

Doz.

3,032,506

3,534,480 + 17%

Lacquers, varnishes and paints.

Lbs.

9,554,188

9,860,652 + 3%

Metal lanterns

Doz.

57,925

Towels, not embroidered

Doz.

1,020,433

69,982 + 21%

1,349,890 + 32%

Torch batteries

Doz.

3,968,691

5,002,960 + 26%

Vacuum flasks and jugs,

complete

Doz.

136,635

173,012 + 27%

Cement

Cwt.

743,711

1,036,191 + 39%

Torch bulbs

Doz.

7,697,305

10,144,601 + 32%

Iron ore.....

Cwt.

1,652,678

2,473,954

+ 50%

Matches......

Case

16,229

15,120

Iron and steel bars and

rounds

Cwt.

49,566

268,140

+ 441%

Cigarettes

Lbs.

159,472

146,209

Seagrass

Cwt.

2,840

2,971

+ 5%

Tungsten ore (wolframite)..

Cwt.

529

355

33%

TABLE 7

Organization of the Commerce & Industry Department

DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

LONDON OFFICE

TOKYO OFFICE

RATION

ADMINISTRATION DIVISION

-Staff and Office Section

-Accounts and Stores Section

-Statistical Branch

Trade Statistics Section

Other Statistics Section

-Industry Section

CONTROL DIVISION

-Trade Licensing Branch

Import Licensing Section

Export Licensing Section

-Preventive Branch

Headquarters Section Marine Section

Land Section

New Territories Section

Prosecution Section

Special (Narcotics) Section.

SUPPLIES & REVENUE DIVISION.

-Revenue Branch

Licensing and Permit Section

Excise Section

-Supplies Branch

Reserve Stocks Section

Reserved Commodities Section

Food and Fuel Unit, E.S.C.

-TRADE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

-Trade Promotion Section

-Trade Publications Section

-Imperial Preference and Certificates

of Origin Section

Comprehensive Certificates of

Origin Section

-Business Registration Office

-Industry Inspection Section

TABLE 8

Net Revenue collected from all sources

1954-55

1955-56

Duties:

On hydrocarbon oils imported

19,411,374

22,051,407

On liquor imported.......

10,234,787

11,190,995

On perfumed spirits imported

365,467

447,143

On tobacco imported

35,931,744

37,356,960

On liquor locally manufactured

7,861,672

8,813,288

On proprietary medicines and toilet preparations..

3,187,458

3,418,036

On table waters..

1,902,655

1,982,960

Internal revenue:

Business registration fees

7,442,621

5,455,788

Stamp duties

601,121

659,290

Licences, fines and forfeitures:

Hydrocarbon oils...........

21,722

38,692

Liquor

867,067

960,716

Miscellaneous (table waters)

6,043

6,522

Proprietary medicines and toilet preparations

124,789

139,557

Tobacco

387,755

373,368

Forfeitures

2,012,834

901,594

Fees of court or office:

Denaturing

136,913

116,866

Official certificates

1,024,020

1,344,015

Anti-narcotic smuggling guards

14,486

10,954

Bonded warehouse supervision..

23,345

14,400

*Commerce & Industry Department expenditure.....

1,420,655

Miscellaneous

1,119

Contributions towards H.K. Guide and Directory,

i.e. C. I. F. Directory

103,627

34,429

Gazette advertising...

32,210

71,843

Publications.

696

4,668

Miscellaneous receipts:

Other miscellaneous receipts.

Overpayments in previous years

75,585

134,614

Total....

93,191,786

95,528,105

* Contribution from Supplies Division Suspense Account in respect of Government

Staff, etc.

TABLE 9

Duty from dutiable commodities (gross)

Type

Quantity

Duty

Gallons

Liquor :-

Whisky

60,744

2,884,597

Brandy.

46,529

2,646,050

Gin

22,240

1,082,750

Wines

49,588

1,143,195

Beer

2,387,535

3,421,590

Other European type...

10,376

533,363

Chinese type (a) locally distilled

(b) imported....

1,347,373

7,519,380

99,308

879,375

Spirituous, other than intoxicating

53,735

492,402

Total......

4,077,428

20,602,702

lbs.

Tobacco :-

Cigarettes and cigars

European smoking tobacco and snuff

Chinese prepared tobacco

Tobacco leaf....

Hydrocarbon Oils:--

Light oils....

Diesel oils

Furnace oils

Other types

Toilet preparations..

Proprietary medicines

Table waters

Total....

3,037,288 48,884

17,243,702

206,159

7,892

23,677

5,697,902

20,993,083

8,791,966 38,466,621

Imp. Gals.

Tons

13,836,281

11,069,025

48,221 297,398

2,004,184

7,137,522

18,807,027

1,968,902

Total....

32,643,308

345,619 | 22,179,633

2,101,982

1,329,580

1,982,975

Total....

Refund and Drawback

5,414,537

Liquor.

Spirituous liquor other than intoxicating.

Tobacco

Hydrocarbon oils

Toilet preparations and proprietary medicines...

Table waters

•

106,016 45,260 1,109,660

128,226 13,525

TABLE 10

Revenue from licences for Liquor

General bonded warehouse licences:-

$1.....

Licensed warehouse licences:—

$600

Distillery licences:-

Single still..

Two stills

Brewery licence :-

$600

Canteen licences :-

$150

Importers' licences :-

Dealer's licences:-

(a) for European-type liquor:-

的

2,400

$ 25 $200

300

1,000

600

550

82,500

$1,500..

239

358,500

$1,089...

1,089

(b) for Chinese-type liquor:-

$650

474

308,100

$550

167

91,850

$400

1,600

$ 50

131

....

6,550

$ 55

110

$ 30

533

15,990

Retailers' licences:-

(a) for Chinese-type liquor:-

$150

$ 25

8,700

200

(b) for liquor other than intoxicating liquor:—

$ 50

852

42,600

$ 30

►

793

23,790

$ 20

262

5,240

Permit to use alcohol free of duty in educational, scientific or

charitable institution:-

Harbour vessel licences:

$1 ...

Ship licences:-

$10...

Miscellaneous

9,499

Total...

4,125

960,719

TABLE 11

Revenue from licences for Tobacco

Licensed warehouse licences: -

$600

$300

3,000 300

Manufacturers' licences:

$300

$150

∞ 2

2,400

300

Travelling salesmens' licences:

$ 10

280

2,800

Importers' licences:

$150

120

18,000

Dealers' licences:

$300

Retailers' licences:

255

76,500

$ 60

$ 40

$ 20

$ 8

$ 5

Miscellaneous

2,353

141,180

2,677

107,080

868

17,360

568

3,870

Total

6,642

373,368

TABLE 12

Revenue from licences for Hydrocarbon Oils

Licensed warehouse licences:

$350

Importers' licences:

$150

Dealers' licences: -

$ 10

Retailers' licences:

$ 10

Miscellaneous

3,150

173

25,950

726

7,260

111

1,110

1,222

Total

1,019

38,692

TABLE 13

Revenue from licences for Toilet preparations and Proprietary medicines

Manufacturers' licences :-

$150

Warehouse licences :-

348

52,200

$ 10

Importers' licences :-

(a) $150 (b) $ 20

351

3,510

109

16,350

391

7,820

Dealers' licences :-

$ 10

706

7,060

Retailers' licences :-

(a) $ 60

101

6,060

(b)

$ 40

720

(c)

$30

848

25,440

(d) $ 20

(e) $ 10

797

15,940

262

2,620

(f)

$ 5

Miscellaneous

· 26

130

1,707

Total

3,957

139,557

TABLE 14

Revenue from licences for Table waters

Licensed warehouse licences:-

$ 10

Manufacturers' licences:

(a) $300

(b) $ 75

Importers' licences :~

$100

Miscellaneous

140

3,900

1,050

1,300

132

Total

6,522

TABLE 15

Manifests received during 1954 and 1955

Ocean

River

Junk

Total

1954

1955

1954

1955

1954

1955

1954

1955

January

657

640

198

131

1,701

1,927

2,556

2,698

February..

573

609

175

159

1,310

1,826

2,058

2,594

March

667

663

189

203

1,762

1,973

2,618

2,839

April

640

632

191

197

1,476

1,825

2,307

2,654

May

663

644

196

177

1,633

2,033

2,492

2,854

June

631

642

184

157

1,758

1,918

2,573

2,717

July

644

647

212

225

1,734

2,055

2,590

2,927

August..

636

644

192

281

1,716

2,474

2,544

3,399

September

588

618

203

272

2,082

2,435

2,873

3,325

October...

646

603

194

272

1,793

2,459

2,633

3,334

November

586

610

189

264

1,709

2,505

2,484

3,379

December..

622

645

202

220

2,419

2,778

3,243

3,643

Total....

7,553

7,597

2,325

2,558

21,093

26,208

30,971

36,363

Average per month

629

633

194

213

1,758

2,184

2,581

3,030

January

February

March

April...

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December...

TABLE 16

Import and Export Declarations received during 1954 and 1955

Month

1954

1955

47,260

46,705

38,545

46,353

51,368

53,088

48,044

49,362

49,654

50,272

49,761

52,130

49,947

49,909

49,931

57,258

51,395

56,149

52,179

58,664

52,971

59,785

51,093

58,458

Total ....

592,148

638,133

Average per month..........

49,346

53,178

TABLE 17

Import and Export Licences issued 1954/55 and 1955/56

Import Licences

Export Licences

Month

1954/55

1955/56

1954/55

1955/56

April

5,606

6,016

15,177

13,571

May

6,394

6,706

15,251

14,202

June

6,391

7,014

14,059

14,900

July

6,291

5,858

14,563

14,143

August

5,959

6,974

20,810

14,970

September..

6,632

7,067

14,883

15,917

October..

6,925

7,195

14,390

17,143

November

6,661

7,677

15,781

17,357

December

6,660

8.280

15,418

18,579

January

5,803

8,931

11,701

17,094

February

6,843

8,544

13,943

15,879

March

7,793

10,398

15,347

20,236

Total

77,958

90,660

181,323

193,991

TABLE 18

Arrests, Convictions and Seizures

Estreat-

Convic-

Arrests

ments of

Seizures without

tions

bail

arrest

Tobacco :-

importing

Tobacco, possession

Cigarettes, possession/abandoned

importing/abandoned...

unlicensed selling

951

339

Failure to keep T/R stock books

Exposure for sale

Manufacture, unlicensed

Liquor :-

European-type liquor, possession

ל,

importing

Chinese-type spirit, possession/abandoned..

Chinese-type.......

Stills, unlicensed..

Distilling unlicensed

Failure to keep Chinese liquor stock book..

| | | | | |

512 136

148

174

Proprietary medicines and Toilet

preparations:---

Possession...

Unlicensed sale .....

manufacture..

Importing

Failure to keep books

submit correct returns

ל,

Exposure for sale

W N

Dangerous drugs:

Opium, possession and/or importing

dross, possession

pipes, possession

smoking

exporting

pills, possession..

Morphine, possession and/or importing

Heroin, possession and/or importing/

Heroin, pipes, possession

dross, possession

Codeine Hydrochloride, possession

and/or importing.

| | | | │

! I w/ a

227

Unmanifested cargo:

Importing

Exporting

TABLE 18—Contd.

Prohibited exports (including Specified

articles):

Importing.

Exporting

Gold:-

Importing.

Exporting

Import control...

Estreat-

Seizures

Convic-

Arrests

tions

ments of bail

without

arrest

сл

Export control.......

Merchandise Marks:-

Applying false trade description

Possession of goods with false trade

description

Dangerous Goods :-

Unlicensed carriage..

Excess storage......................

Possession, unlicensed...

123

Carriage without labels

Certificates of Origin:-

False declarations

Agriculture poisons, importing.

Miscellaneous summary offences

Tobacco:

TABLE 19

Seizures of dutiable commodities

Chinese prepared tobacco

Foreign cigarettes

Macau cigarettes

Tobacco stem

Cigars

Liquor :-

European-type liquor

Chinese-type liquor.

Alcohol

Fermenting material.

Illicit stills

111 tons

1,580 lbs.

11,559 lbs.

40 lbs.

31 lbs.

177 gals.

2,632 gals.

92 gals.

16,388 gals.

341

Proprietary medicines and Toilet preparations :—

Miscellaneous toilet preparations

Chinese medicines

Foreign medicines

3,774 pkts.

15,125 pkts.

8,010 pkts.

TABLE 20

Seizures of dangerous drugs

Place of seizures

Date

Type of drug

Quantity

Destination indicated by circumstances

of seizure

M/V Hermod from Bangkok... 16.

4. 55.

Raw Opium 440 lbs.

Hong Kong

S. S. Pronto from Bangkok... 16. 5. 55.

Heroin

5 grammes

Hong Kong

S. S. San Rolando from

Singapore

3. 6. 55.

Raw Opium

18 lbs.

Hong Kong

Air Vietnam F/BELR from

Saigon..

10. 6. 55.

Prepared Opium Raw Opium

50 lbs.

Hong Kong

2 lbs.

Passenger on Korean National

Airlines HL-108

6. 7. 55.

Heroin

630 grammes Seoul, Korea

Pan American Airways 6535C

from Bangkok ..........

15. 8. 55.

Raw Opium

153 lbs.

Hong Kong

On board a derelict junk No.

T2085 in Yaumati Typhoon Shelter

25. 10. 55.

Heroin pills Prepared Opium

168 pcs.

.6 mace

S. S. Danakil from Bangkok...

7. 12. 55.

Raw Opium 244 lbs.

Hong Kong (Smoking on

board)

Hong Kong

C. & I. Shed (inside packets

of cigarettes from Macau)... 20. 1. 56.

Raw Opium

50 grammes Hong Kong

from Macau...

Passenger on S. S. Tak Shing

from Macau

25. I. 56.

Heroin pills

10 lbs.

Hong Kong

29.

1. 56.

Codeine Hydrochlo- ride

9 ozs.

Hong Kong

M/V Bintang from Bangkok...

7. 3. 56.

Raw Opium Morphine

417 lbs. 4 lbs.

Hong Kong

Passenger on S. S. Fat Shan

from Macau

14. 3. 56.

Heroin

311⁄2 ozs.

Hong Kong

Crew Member of S. S. Fat

Shan from Macau...

17. 3. 56.

Heroin

18 ozs.

Hong Kong

M/V Tak Shing from Macau...

17. 3. 56.

Heroin

4 ozs.

Hong Kong

TABLE 21

Seizures of articles subject to Import and Export Licensing

Acetic anhydride

Black plate

Borax

207 carboys

23 tons

tons

Bottles, empty

Buttons, plastic

Carbon black ...

Carbolic acid

Cobalt oxide

Containers, empty

Copper wire

Cotton sheeting

Diamonds, imitation

Drums, empty

Electric bulbs

Electric transformers

Fans, hand

Formaldehyde

Gold

Gold coins

Gunny sacks

Haberdashery

3 bags

240 gross

2113 tons

500 lbs.

13 tons

4,952 pcs.

1,126 lbs.

1,420 lbs.

125 pkgs.

24 tons

25 pcs.

1,786 lbs.

20 dozs.

2,300 lbs.

783 lbs.

300 pcs.

19 pcs.

3 tons

Ignition coils

Lamps, bedside

Lampshades, glass

Lighters

170 lbs.

pcs.

450 dozs.

Petroleum products:

diesel...

engine oil

fuel oil.....

TABLE 21—Contd.

grease...

kerosene

lubricating oil...........

petrol...

transformer oil

paraffin wax..

white wax

yellow vaseline

Photographic materials.

Rice....

Rice husk

Rubber accelerator

Rubber tyres

168 tons

Itons

100 gals.

4.49

ton

tons

153 tons

21 tons

50 tons

1 tons

tons

13 tons

46 lbs.

51 tons

26 bags

5 tons

Slot machines

Spectophotometer

Vehicles

Vehicle parts

Vessels: sampans and junks

Watches

Watch bands

ton

crates

pc.

nos.

91⁄2 tons

nos.

432 lbs.

559 dozs.