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CONFIDENTIAL
changes, however restricted, which are designed
to enable the people of Hong Kong to participate
to a greater extent in the conduct of their own
affairs, should be introduced as soon as pos-
sible.
8.
In regard to labour legislation, while
there has been a substantial advance in measures
enacted, you do not refer to the subject of
overtime rates of pay for work done on rest
days. You will recall that the proposal to
lay down higher rates of pay for overtime
working was deleted from the Employment (Amend-
ment) (No. 2) Ordinance, 1970. I believe such
payments to be a basic right of any industrial
employee which, in countries where trade unions
are strong and effective, can be protected by
negotiations between the unions and employers.
Under conditions prevailing in Hong Kong, it is
necessary for Government to provide that prot-
ection by means of legislation and I trust that
you will reconsider the introduction of a bill
to specify rates of pay for overtime working.
I am pleased to note that the new public
assistance scheme, substituting a cash grant
for the present issue of dry rations, will be
effected shortly. The alleviation of distress
among the poorer members of the community. is a
measure to which I attach much importance.
9.