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Subject to your comments I propose, in future, to pass any Article 22 reports, or other information relevant to the application of conventions to Hong Kong which suggests the possibility of an improved declaration to HKIOD so that that department can consider whether it wishes to make an appropriate submission to ministers. This would normally be at the time of the receipt of Article 22 reports; at the time of receipt of replies to despatches inviting declarations following ratification by HMG; and occasionally, on the basis of the information supplied in connection with technical items.
6.
If any special action is required, we would need to consider the staffing implications. Hong Kong already takes up a disproportionate amount of time on this schedule. It is the only territory with a very large labour department and it is difficult for Miss Oldfield and myself to keep pace with the output of several officers in the one territory in addition to the work arising from the other 16 where conventions are applied.
7. Finally, I should add that the ILO's Committee of Experts makes a very careful scrutiny of all material submitted to it and is not slow to indicate where it considers improved declarations might be made. I should be grateful for your views and perhaps Mr Tallboys and Mr Champion will also wish to comment in relation to the record of the meeting?
husman
5 May 1975
Miss M M Swan
Gibraltar and General Department
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