CONFIDENTIAL
Reference. HKK 3/78/7.
No97
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Steaming Brig (ram c)
Mr Wotton HK & IOD
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
1.
In paragraph 10 of the Steering Brief mention might be made of trade union concern over a separate Hong Kong shipping register. Thus the paragraph "Line to Take" might be expanded by the addition of the words underlined as follows:-
Knoted
2.
"We should very much like to agree to the proposal
for a separate register. But we have first to complete examination of a large number of detailed problems, especially of manning and safety standards and the need to forestall criticism over these matters especially from external trade union sources. The recent lengthy visit by a DTI team is evidence that we are getting on with this".
I understand from our conversation that it is not intended to provide a separate subject brief on "Labour" as the Prime Minister's contacts have to be few in number and are mainly restricted to members of Legco and Exco. Nevertheless, the subject is one which may be mentioned e.g. at a press conference, and it might be prudent to provide a little background material. Something on the following lines is suggested:
www.
"In Britain there is general satisfaction that the
economy continues to expand. But there is also continuing concern that the benefits of economic expansion should be shared and be seen to be shared by the working population. It is reassuring to note, therefore, that in the past five years upwards of sixty items of labour legislation have been enacted, as part of a programme which is still proceeding, to provide a wide range of benefits and safeguards and that between March 1964 and March 1973 real wages rose by 59%. All this has been achieved without affecting Hong Kong's competitive position. Fringe benefits and social services in Hong Kong are also substantial. There nevertheless remains a hope in Britain that ways can be found of associating Hong Kong's trade unions, which at present continue to be numerically weak and politically divided, in the move towards better and more secure terms of employment for the wage-earner. We realise the difficulties in the way but hope they will be the subject of close, sympathetic and fruitful consideration."
12 December 1973
A.&.&
And
P.R.
HR G Hurst
CONFIDENTIAL
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