NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
FABIAN SOCIETY PAMPHLET
WATKINSON
The recently published Fabian Society pamphlet by Mr Joe England
is being carefully studied, as indeed are all constructive criticisms
of conditions in Hong Kong. I have noted Mr England's recognition
of the present Governor's commitment to social reform: and there is
certainly no tendency on the part of the Hong Kong Government to deny
that much remains to be done.
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG
Her Majesty's Government sees no present need for the appointment
of a Commission of Inquiry into conditions in Hong Kong, (as recommended
in the Fabian Society pamphlet). The Governor keeps us fully
informed about conditions there and many Members of this House have
visited the Colony in recent years. As I have said, my rt hon Friend
will be visiting Hong Kong in May.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS
The Hong Kong Government have faced formidable problems in improving
social conditions in the territory, particularly that of absorbing
very large numbers of immigrants from China. This, combined with a
high birth-rate, has led to a seven-fold increase in Hong Kong's
population since the Second World War. Her Majesty's Government
welcomes the adoption, in recent years, of long term programmes for
social development in such fields as housing, health and education.
LABOUR RELATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Her Majesty's Government has instituted an amnual review of
progress made by Hong Kong in applying the International Labour
Organisation Conventions on labour relations and conditions.
Kong's record compares reasonably favourably with that of other parts
Hong
of Asia.
L
/RIGHT