Ref. CR 169/65 IV
Rapa
COLONIAL SECRETARIAT,
HONG KONG.
9
Dear
Bunny
1.. Stement
་་
De Clinton 22 March, 1969.
re not very
Interesting - but, an says, "Superficial
[= 26(3
conclusive.
There have been some press comments recently concerning the introduction of a "Shops Act" in Hong Kong and statements, such as "it has been recognised for years that the great majority of shop employees have been exploited by employers and that they work excessively long hours for ridiculously low wages in abysmal conditions" etc., were made. These comments may have sparked off Mr. John Rankin's question in the House on 28th February (our telegram 188 refers).
In order to get some idea of public opinion in this matter the Secretary for Home Affairs arranged for discreet enquiries to be made by City District Officers to find out roughly what the public, and shop employees and employers felt about this proposal for Shops legislation. Their preliminary assessment is attached. You will see in the conclusion that most employees are reasonably contented at present with their conditions, that employers are a bit apprehensive and that most other people are
indifferent.
We thought that you might be interested in the report as general background material and it might help to answer quickly any queries which arise on this subject. However, we think there would be disadvantages if it is given any wide distribution in F.C.0. since it is only a superficial assessment of the position.
I should add that there are two items in the Labour Department programme of legislation which will have a bearing on employment in shops. One item will extend the existing legislation on rest-days for women and young persons in the industrial sector to shops and services; the other will provide a statutory right to rest days for adult male workers in industry although this will probably be extended to all male workers when consideration of this measure is put in hand.
HKK5/1
+
PROVED A
6
}
W.S. Carter, Esq., C.V.O.,
Hong Kong Department,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London, S.W. 1,
Yours
Sinny. Dike.
(M.D. A. Clinton)
Deputy Colonial Secretary
5/15;
4KK 5
U.K.
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