CONFIDENT IAL
on
conceive of circumstances in which, even as
amended, they might be of practical value in
view of the difficulties of enforcement;
both these grounds I would greatly prefer to
have seen such provisions disappear from the
Statute Book. I note however that it is on the
strength of their deterrent value that it is
suggested they should be retained and made
part of Hong Kong's permanent legislation.
recognise that their retention could have such
value in present circumstances in Hong Kong;
that such circumstances are unlikely to change
in the foreseeable future, and that in these
circumstances the disappearance of such
I
provisions from the Statute Book could serve as
political
an incitement to agitation, concealed in
industrial guise. I would therefore be prepared
to agree, if on further reflection you feel you
must maintain your recommendation as made over
a year ago, that legislation dealing with strikes
and lock-outs in essential industries should
become part of your permanent legislation.
7
But
I could not, as at present advised, accept that
this should be done without at the same time
making specific countervailing provision for
the settlement of any disputes which might arise
in the trades or industries to which the
Ordinance would apply.
6.
The measures which I have in mind in this
connection would be
(contained in paragraph 1(1)
(a)a provision (as/under Section 5 of the
CONFIDEN T IA L
model
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
'