CONFIDENTam
Commissioner of Labour for information. It is not, however, an answer in Hong Kong's circumstances since there is no mechanism by which contributions could be collected from employers; and compulsory insurance, for the reasons given elsewhere in this report in relation to workmen's compensation, is not recommended.
40. There are, however, in Hong Kong a number of charitable and similar trusts, for example the Brewer Trust, who might be prevaile upon to make a notional allocation as a contingency fund for the benefit of workers who may be affected by small-scale bankruptcies. An alternative approach might be to arrange for the Social Welfare Department to be empowered to make workers affected an immediate advance of wages to relieve distress in return for the assignment of their rights in subsequent bankruptcy proceedings.
International Labour Conventions
41. It is important for Hong Kong's international image that her record as regards the application of International Labour Conventions should stand comparison with the performance of her neighbours and competitors. The record so far is reasonably good and should look better by additional declarations that may be made later this year. It would be of particular value in view of the growing size of Hong Kong's maritime interests if a special review could be under- taken soon in co-operation with the Marine Department of the various Maritime Conventions. Docks Safety Regulations to comply so far as local conditions permit with the requirements of Convention No.32 (and No.130) are another urgent requirement.
42.
A number of other important Conventions are now being reviewed with the purpose of either applying the Conventions in full or making improved declarations. The most important of these from the international standpoint is Convention No.98 (Freedom of Association and the Right to Bargain Collectively) application of which hinges on the anti-trade union discrimination legislation referred to in paragraph 18.
43. In comparing Hong Kong's performance with other countries' it would be wise to compare like with like if complacency is to be avoided. It is all very well to say that with 29 Conventions being applied (19 in full and 10 with modifications)* "Hong Kong is now on a par with Japan" but if Japan had the possibility (denied to her as a Member State of the ILO) to apply Conventions
with modifications' she could probably add another 20 or so.
9
/Social Welfare
The correct position is now 20 in full and 9 with modifications. A declaration of full application has been lodged in respect of Convention No.81.
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CONFIDENTIAT,