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Tuesday, September 15, 1970
CHILD LABOUR IN HONG KONG
Commissioner's Statement On Problem
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Mr. R.M. Hotherington, Commissioner of Labour, said today it was
a widely accepted and logical principle" that legislation restricting tho
orployment of young persons had necessarily to take into account the existing
educational system.
gocial
He was commenting on the recently-revived publicity about the
and economic aspects of the employment of young people in Hong Kong.
"The general minimum age of employment is bound up with the age
whon children leave school and look for jobs," Mr. Hetherington said.
"Thore is no compulsory education in Hong Kong, and logislation
horo is selective, with the object of protecting young children in jobs
where there are inherent dangers, either physical or moral."
It was
Ho said it was recognised there wore physical hazards in industrial
establishmonts, in working underground, and in sea-going vessels.
also recognised there were moral risks in employment in licensed promises,
and domostic service in certain establishments such as dance halls.
Existing ordinancos proscribed minimum ages for omployment in these
fields, and they were always kept under rovicw.
"The Commissioner of Labour is charged with the responsibility of
onforcing the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance which prohibits
the employment of children under the age of 14 in factorios. This law is
being strictly enforced," Mr. Hothorington said.
The age