Fédération Internationale des Travailleurs des Industries
du Textile et de l'Habillement
Internationale Textil- und Bekleidungsarbeiter-Vereinigung
Internationella Textil- och Beklädnadsarbetarefederationen
INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE AND
GARMENT WORKERS' FEDERATION 120 BAKER STREET, LONDON, W.1
GENERAL SECRETARY: J. GREENHALGH to whom all communications should be addressed
E
PRESIDENT:
JOHN E. NEWTON
VICE-PRESIDENT:
K. BUSCHMANN
The Rt. Hon. Harold Wilson, M.P., 10, Downing Street, London. S.W.1.
TELEPHONE: WELBECK 1745
TELEGRAM ADDRESS:
WORKINTEX, London, W.1
April 6th 1967.
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10.4°
(2) C.O.20
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Following a visit which I made to Hong Kong and other countries in the early part of last year, I have been making every effort to get the hours of work for women and young persons in Hong Kong, reduced from 60 to 48 per week.
In order to avoid official action on this question by our Executive Committee, a delegation of our British affiliates met Mr. Fred Lee (who was then the Colonial Minister) on June 21st 1966. During the interview, Mr. Lee Stated 'I fully expect that new labour, legislation will be introduced in Hong Kong during this
the full summer'. Upon this assurance, our British affiliates successfully persuaded Executive Committee to defer action on the Hong Kong issue.
appeared likely to be done. Johnson M.P., I went to see February 16th 1967.
In spite of Mr. Lee's assurance, nothing was done or even
James Together with Mr. Ernest Thornton M.P. and Mr. Mrs. Judith Hart, Minister of State, Commonwealth Office, on
Mrs. Hart assured us that 'new legislation will be enacted
in Hong Kong in two weeks time',
On March 21st 1967, Mr. Herbert Bowden, replying to a question, on the hours of work for women and young persons in Hong Kong stated At the moment this is a matter for consultation between the Governor, the Legislative Council and industry in Hong Kong'.
Again on April 4th, Mrs. Judith Hart replying to a question on the same matter replied 'As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 21st March, the Governor has amending legislation under consideration'.
I am now placed in the very embarrassing position of having
to report to the Annual Conference of the United Textile Factory Workers Association, that both Fred Lee and Mrs. Hart made incorrect statements to me on this important issue What is even worse, I shall be compelled to seek the assistance of all our other affiliates and the International Labour Office in order to obtain what was indicated by both air. Lee and Mrs. Hart, thus giving international publicity to the unfortunate even! of the past year.
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