(g)
(h)
(i)
CONFIDENTIAL
the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations prohibit the employment on or about licensed premises of persons under the age of 14;
the Miscellaneous Licensing Regulations prohibit the employment, in licensed public dance halls and dancing schools, of persons under the age of 18; and
the Protection of Women and Juveniles Ordinance prohibits the employment of females as domestic servants under the age of 12.
The above legislation protects the morals, health and safety of children and young persons, but there is no minimum age for all other paid employment. Legislation to provide for this can be introduced only when educational facilities can be provided for all under the age of 14.
ARTICLE 11
It is not possible to guarantee a "continuous improvement" of living conditions in Hong Kong largely because of. Hong Kong's susceptability to external pressures such as trade restrictions and import quotas, large immigration movements which are difficult to control and political and economic situations in neighbouring countries what may affect, in particular, the availability of food. However, the rice control scheme ensures the adequacy of rice supplies at reasonable prices. The Gross Domestic Product per head of population has increased in real terms by an average of 6% a : year since 1967. A Consumer Council has recently been established to
protect citizens from unscrupulous profiteering.
The Government's major task in the improvement of living conditions lies in the development of public housing. At present, 1.7 million people (41% of the population) are living in. public housing for which they pay heavily subsidised rent.
In spite of this, there is still insufficient adequate housing. There are two main reasons for this: firstly, the population has almost doubled since 1953, due to natural growth and immigration; secondly, Hong Kong families want better quality housing at a price which they can afford. With land at a premium and rents and prices of flats in the private sector among the highest in the world, the aspirations of many people for a better living environment can only be achieved through a greatly enlarged public housing programme.
10
CONFIDENTIAL
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