these circumstances I think there is no reason for us to take a
stronger line than the responsible Secretary of State by with-
holding permission for women to work at night if this is their
own choice. However it remains the duty of Government to
ensure that if they do work at night the conditions under which
they do so are of a very high standard.
2. I recognise, however, that we have a rather special problem
presentationally in respect of Hong Kong and, while I feel that the above line is the right one to pursue, I see no reason to give the point away unless we are pressed by the Governor to do so.
We should therefore pursue the matter on the basis of the four safeguards listed in paragraph 6 of the draft despatch, but should
be prepared to look with sympathy on representations by the Governor if he should return to the charge in respect of (b).
3. I fully support the suggestion that suitable U.K. factory
inspectors should be sent out to Hong Kong to look at the
organisation of factory inspection with a view to improving it. It is possible that in the light of their report to the Governor
there may be a need for new legislation, but I understand that it
is more likely that they will find that what is required is
better implementation of existing legislation.
Km hriffor
(K. M. Wiktora) January, 1970.
c.c. Mr. Foggon
Fond Shephina
- 5 -
his apprend
the dar
8/