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35
Parliamentary Unit
I submit draft written replies to the two Parliamentary
Questions (1W, 2W) by Mr. Ernest Thornton.
Mr. Thornton takes a
regular interest in labour conditions in Hong Kong. In particular
he asked, two years ago, to be informed of the number of court
convictions in Hong Kong in each year from 1959 to 1966, for
employing women and young persons in excess of the legal maximum
working hours.
2. The information given in the draft replies has been obtained
from Hong Kong (Hong Kong telegram No.585).
3.
Insofar as there is no legislation yet regulating the hours and
days worked by adult males, it is theoretically possible for this
class of labour to work 359 days in the year, i.e. continuously
except for the six annual s tatutory holidays.
does not happen because time off up to four days in any one month is
permitted without loss of normal earnings.
customarily granted on request.
But in practice this
Unpaid leave is
4. We do not know how many of the 172 cases heard for breach of the
regulations prescribing a weekly rest day for women and young persons
There is not time to in industry were prosecuted to conviction.
ascertain this from Hong Kong and in any case the question concerned
asks only how many such prosecutions were effected.
W. 8. Carter
W. S. Carter)
Hong Kong Department
23 July, 1969
Copy to:
Mr.
Godden
Mr. Foggon
Sir L. Monson