LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM
my
6. During hie visit to the Colony in October last, my
$
honourable Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
discussed with the Governor the question of the reform of the
Urban Council and I expect to receive the Governor's proposals
soon.
LABOUR QUESTIONS
7. Wages are high by Asian standards and in general, conditions
of work in Hong Kong are second only to those in Japan amongst
Asian countries. Over the last decade the real wages of
workers in the manufacturing industries have risen by an average
of 5.7 per cent per annum. A wide ranging legislative pro-
gramme, including an Industrial Relations Bill and the establish-
ment of Labour Courts, is under consideration.
REQUEST FOR LOAN FROM HMG FOR EXTENSION OF KAI TAK AIRPORT
8. The difficulties in the way of granting a loan for the
development of the airport have been explained to the Hong Kong
Government.
COMMUNIST PRISONERS IN HONG KONG
9. The Chinese Government have expressed concern to us on many
occasions about the prisoners serving sentences in Hong Kong
about 70.
(who now
for offences committed during the disturbances in 1967/
A11
were tried in open court. All these prisoners are eligible for
normal remission. Apart from this, the sentences of long-term
prisoners are reviewed regularly under the Hong Kong prison
rules.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
10. An official of the British Government has been seconded to
Hong Kong to advise and assist in the introduction of a new
Public Assistance Scheme. The new proposals are based on cash
payments and the maintenance of a minimum income level.
· 3 ·