CONFIDENTIAL
33 Career pamphlets have so far been produced, of which Chinese versions are being printed. The work of this Service is of particular importance given the growing reluctance of young people to enter industrial employment and the existing shortage of labour in the industrial sector (estimated currently at more than 20,000). It would be helpful in this connection if projected legislation on industrial training could be brought forward, but this in turn depends on decisions being taken at a reasonably early date on the report of the Industrial Training Advisory Committee.
Factory and Labour Inspectorates
21. A full scale survey of the factory and labour inspectorates was carried out in 1970 by two experienced specialists from the United Kingdom, with the following terms of reference:-
"To review and advise the Governor of Hong Kong on:
"
(a) the general arrangements for the recording
registration and inspection of factories and industrial undertakings;
(b) the staffing, training, administration, effectiveness and coverage of the Factory and Labour Inspectorates, with reference to current conditions and anticipated future developments.
The
22. The detailed proposals that were subsequently made (Christy-Battenson Report) have now been examined by the Commissioner of Labour and a preliminary view formed. questions at issue are too detailed to be set out nere and will be the subject of separate correspondence. The main points, however, are as follows:-
(a) The recommendation that the two inspectorates
be amalgamated is rejected. (Extension of holidays with pay and sickness allowance to non-industrial employment would in any case create difficulties if the two inspectorates were combired.)
(b) The abolition of the present registration system is
supported.
(c) Notwithstanding the recommendation about staffing
ratios, it is the intention to recruit further staff for the inspectorates.
(a) The 'sealed envelope' system of night visits will
not be abandoned.
(e) While it is accepted that the two inspectorates should engage in more educational duties, it is considered that prosecution must continue to be the principal weapon to ensure compliance with the law.
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CONFIDENTIAL