La.
Mr. James Johnson (Kingston-upon-Hull, West): To ask the Secretary of Stato for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he is aware of the exploitation of child labour in Hong Kong, particularly the child slavery in the colony's tea housus; and what action he is proposing following the recent labour department survoy.
18th Docombor 1969
NO. 44
MR. EVAN LUARD
There is no slavery in Hong Kong. Slavory is of course illegal in the Colony.
Thoro was in August & special campaign against the unlawful employment in industry of children under fourtoun. As a result prosecutions wore mountǝd against the proprietors of 298 undertakings. enforcement measures will continue to be vigorously pursued.
LOW
The Hong Kong Government share our concern that thure should be no exploitation of child labour. It is however difficult to deviso and enforce measures of control outsido industry, for exemple in family businesses and among those engaged in itinerant trading. I am aware of the tradition of cmploying young persons in Chinese toa houses to carry round trays of delicacios. Thoro are regular twico_yearly surveys of employees in such establishments. This is a problem that is gradually diminishing with general changes in social habits.