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Hong Kong: Social [ 4 FEBRUARY 1975] and Economic Reforms
HOUSE OF LORDS
Tuesday, 4th February, 1975.
The House met at half past two of the clock: The LORD CHANCELLOR ON the Woolsack.
Prayers-Read by the Lord Bishop of Ripon.
LORD GREENE OF HARROW WEALD
Sir Sidney Francis Greene, Knight, C.B.E., having been created Baron Greene of Harrow Weald, of Harrow in Greater London, for life-Was, in his robes, introduced between the Lord Champion and the Lord Popplewell.
LORD LYONS OF BRIGHTON
Braham Jack Dennis Lyons, Esquire, having been created Baron Lyons of Brighton, of Brighton in the County of East Sussex, for life--Was, in his robes, introduced between the Baroness Bacon and the Lord Lovell-Davis, and made the solemn Affirmation.
The Lord De Freyne-Took the Oath.
HONG KONG: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC REFORMS
2.58 p.m.
Lord BROCKWAY: My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what were the conclusions reached regarding reforms in Hong Kong as a result of the visit of the Lord Goronwy- Roberts.
The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER- SECRETARY of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts); My Lords, during my visit I was able to see at first hand the progress that is being made in reforming the social and economic structure of Hong Kong. I am impressed by the energy with which the Governor
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and his advisers are tackling the very difficult problems that face them.
Lord BROCKWAY: My Lords, while thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him whether his investigations included two points? First, is he satis- fied with the efforts which are being made to stop corruption, particularly in the police? Secondly, did he investigate social security under which at present no man between the ages of 15 and 55 can obtain a benefit if he is able-bodied, and where disastrous waiting periods occur before anyone obtains a benefit at all.
Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS:
My Lords, on the first question raised by my noble friend, an Independent Com- mission against Corruption was estab- lished by the present Governor in February 1974. I had the opportunity of discussing their work with members of the Commission, and formed the firm opinion that they were determined to pursue an investigation which in due course will cleanse the Colony of the undoubtedly widespread corruption that exists there now. A very satisfactory feature of the situation is that since the Commission was established a few months ago there has been general popular co- operation in a practical way with it. Three thousand
reports have been received from the public by the Commis- sion during those few months. The Commission has already scored a number of significant advances in its work. We strongly support this work. We shall, of course, keep a very close watch over the progress of this inquiry and stand ready to intervene in any way that may be needed if the circumstances warrant it.
On the question of social and labour legislation, the Hong Kong Government are pursuing a programme of continuous improvement in labour legislation. In the social field, in some respects they are ahead of what might be called more advanced countries in dealing with juvenile delinquency, the rehabilitation and retraining of young people, and also in the attack made upon the drug prob- lem. A number of social benefits have been introduced in the past few years, including severance pay and measures to reduce permissible overtime so as to pro- tect young people and women, and con- sideration is now being actively given
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