NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

2까지

Collective Bargaining

1. It has for long been the policy of HMG to encourage the

development of free and effective trade unions in the dependent

territories. The corollary of this policy has been that working

conditions, including hours of work, should in the main be regu-

lated, as in the U.K., by collective bargaining between employers

and trade unions.

Hours of Work of Women and Young Persons

2. In the U.K., the hours of work of women and young persons in

industry are limited by law, under the Factories Act, 1961.

Legislation on similar lines has been adopted from time to time

in dependent territories where appropriate. International Regulation

3.

As my hon. friend was informed on 9 June HMG has not ratified

those International Labour Conventions which relate to hours of

work and the question of applying them to dependent territories

does not therefore arise. HMG has, however, always paid regard

to the standards laid down by these conventions.

Hong Kong

4. As in the U.K., there is no statutory limitation on the hours

of work of adult males in industry; but the hours of work of women

and young persons are regulated by law and are being progressively

reduced to 48 hours a week.

5. A considerable proportion of Hong Kong industry, including

spinning and weaving and the principal public utilities, operate

on a shift basis and has already adopted a 48 hour week for all

workers.

/6.

Page 120Page 121

Share This Page