There has been a good deal of discussion,
both locally and here, and here, about Clause
23, which would have the effect of removing the
permission to picket a private residence. It
has been decided to retain the amendment since,
as I think you will readily agree, the picketing
of a person's home, in overseas conditions,
could give rise to intimidation of the worker
or his family. I think it is important to note
that the amendment would not restrict the right
to picket at a place where a person both
resides and works.
Turning now to Clause 12(c), it is only
fair to point out that the amendment as proposed
represented in some measure a relaxation of the
existing law which imposes permanent debarment
from trade union office. However, it has been
decided to remove the expression "offences
against public order" from this clause. As
regards your general criticism of provisions of
this kind, a number of overseas Governments have
similar provisions in their trade union laws.
In all the circumstances, I do not think a
temporary prohibition of this kind can adversely
affect the development of trade unions in Hong
Kong.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Your ref: International
VF/MN/10
23 December, 1970
72
Hong Kong: Trade Union Legislation
The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary has asked me to thank you for your letter of 4 December with which you enclosed a note on the Hong Kong Trade Union Registration legislation, both the principal Ordinance and also the amending Bill.
As your letter indicates, you are already aware that the more important of the proposed provisions to which you have raised objections have either been removed altogether from the Bill or modified. I should add that the Bill in its modified form has now been before the Executive Council in Hong Kong and approved for presentation to Legislative Council. In view of the extensive consideration which the draft Bill has had in Hong Kong and in London, and the considerable modifications that have been made to it as a result, it will, I think, be very difficult to hold up the further progress of the Bill to look at the additional points which have now been raised in your note. However, the contents of your note have been conveyed to the Government of Hong Kong and I understand that a meeting between my officials here and officers of the TUC has been arranged for 5 January.
You may be quite sure that the most careful consideration will be given to your representations about this legislation.
(A. Royle)
V. Feather, Esq., CBE,
General Secretary,
Trades Union Congresa,
Congress House,
Great Russell Street,
London WCIB 3LS
(0) dub File
(115281) Dd. 391599
1,500M 2/69 Hw.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
DRAFT
Secret.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
To:-
V. Feather, Esq., CBE,
General Secretary,
Trades Union Congress,
Confidential.
Restricted.
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
..In Confidence
ongress House,
Great Russell Street,
LONDON WC1B 3LS
Your Ref: International
VF/MN/10
Type 1 +
From
Mr. A. Royle
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
Hong Kong: Trade Union Legislation
The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary has
asked me to thank you for your letter of 4 December
with which you enclosed a note on the Hong Kong Trade Union Registration legislation, both the princippe
Ordinance and also the amending Bill.
As your letter indicates, you are already aware
that the more important of the proposed provisions to
which you have raised objections have either been
removed altogether from the Bill or modified. I
should ought to add that the Bill in its modified form has
now been before Executive Council in Hong Kong and
approved for presentation to Legislative Council.
view of the extensive consideration which the draft
Bill has had in Hong Kong and in London; and the
considerable modifications that have been made to it
In
as a result, it will, I think, be very difficult to hold
up the further progress of the Bill to look at the
additional points which have now been raised in your
note.
However, the contents of your note have
/been