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the population at large but I am asking the Governor to have a very close look at this over the next few months with a view to seeing what can be done to remedy the situation. I hope to have news about 'this in due course.
4.
I was glad that the Committee once again brought the question of Hong Kong adherence to the Conventions of the ILO to my attention because I think we can effect some improvement in our present arrangements here. I have accepted a proposal that Hong Kong's performance in this respect should be looked at in January each year by Goronwy Roberts whe will examine the situation with a view to introducing a more dynamic approach. I think that Hong Kong's performance is quite creditable, particularly when compared with her Asian neighbours, but clearly as a territory for which we are responsible the highest
standards must be maintained.
5.
I think we are all agreed that the trade union situation in Hong Kong differs very considerably from our own and that many of the points made by Sam McCluskie with relation to seamen, and yourself about the more general problem, need looking into. One difficulty is that not enough is yet known about the labour relations situation in Hong Kong in its political and sociological context, to come to any sensible conclusions as to how and where things might be bettered. I am thinking of commissioning a study of the whole matter but the modalities will require careful consideration and I will let you know what we have in mind when the Governor has been able to give advice. I think a mini-Donovan, a suggestion I put forward at
our meeting on 23 April, would probably be too conspicuous. But we may be able to achieve the same results with a lower profile.
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6. My advisers here agree that Hong Kong trade union legislation, as you suggested, may be somewhat antiquated and over-elaborate. There is a Bill at present before the Legislative Council which should /do something
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