W(B)L 51-74 33
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted.
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
..In Confidence
DRAFT Submission
Type 1 +
To:-
From
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
Problem
(1)/E
Flag A
Flag B
Recommendation
Mrgument
Essential Services Legislation.
Hong Kong
proposes
The Hong Kong Government is seeking to
modify its Illegal Strikes and Lock-outs
Ordinance (Cap 61) by an amending Bill, a draft
of which has been referred for comment. The
existing Ordinance was enacted in 1949 to con-
tinue in force to December, 1965, since when its
duration has been extended by yearly resolution
of Legislative Council. It was last renewed, but
for six months only, on 1 July, 1969.
The pro-
posed Bill & copy is attached) at Appendix A) is
controversial.
2.
I recommend that the Governor be asked to
re-consider the amending Bill and to examine the
feasibility of bringing it more closely into
regulation
line with the model commended to dependent
for the Colonies
territories by the Secretary of State in 1960.
is attached. A draft despatch to this effect is at Appendix
while possibly having some deterrent effect, 43. The present Ordinance, is unsatisfactory;
29.1% deal with the communist inspired stoppages. of work in essential Services in 1967.
indeed it has never been invoked, It purporte
<Isa essential Seagram
to prevent strikes and lock-outs having an¬
object other than, or in addition to, the
furtherance of a trade dispute within the trade
or industry in which the disputante are engaged.
Those taking part in a strike or a lock-out may
be in doubt whether their activities are legal
under the provisions of the present Ordinance
/ and