CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF MINISTER OF STATE
(LORD SHEPHERD
TO HONG KONG MAY/JUNE 1969
Note No. 13
LABOUR LEGISLATION
As the Minister knows a wide ranging legislative programme was approved for the Labour Department by the Executive Council in January 1968. Some 30 items of legislation were included in the programme, the majority concerned with labour matters but some with mining for which the Commissioner has responsibility. This approval was in broad general terms and individual items remained subject to the customary detailed consideration.
2.
The comprehensive nature of the programme and the time con- suming process of preparing and passing the necessary legislation has prevented any spectacular progress. However, the existence of the programme and its regular review has served to maintain momentum towards the overhaul and reform of this type of
legislation.
3.
Non-disallowance has just been signified of the Employment
Ordinance, a major piece of legislation to provide for the pro- tection of the wages of employees and to make more precise pro- visions regarding contracts of service. This Ordinance will need further examination however in the Department of the Overseas
Labour Adviser to ensure that the obligations entered into by the Hong Kong Government in regard to such ILO Conventions as apply are being and will be adequately fulfilled. Some amend- ments may be necessary at a future date to ensure this but in the meantime the legislation has been enacted.
4. A draft Illegal Strikes and Lock-Outs (Amendment) Bill has been referred to the Secretary of State for consideration. Although the Colonial Government referred this Bill at the end of last year it will not be possible to discuss its provisions in Hong Kong. Shortly after the Bill was received the Overseas Labour Adviser visited Hong Kong and was able to give his per- sonal views on the proposed legislation which remained under
/the
CONFIDENTIAL
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