CONFIDENTIAL
3
Mr Kale
Al
Parliamentary Unit
RECTIVES IN
16.51
23 FEB 1976
HKK 210/2
PQ ON HONG KONG: MINIMUM AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT
1. Mr Ronald Atkins (Labour, Preston North) has put down a question for oral answer on 18 February, asking what is the minimum age for employment in Hong Kong. The Parliamentary Unit, who have asked for a draft reply by noon today, have advised that the Question will not be reached and that supplementaries are not therefore required.
2. Mr Atkins's question, like other outstanding PQs, has evidently been inspired by the recent Fabian Society pamphlet on Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government, whom we have consulted, have provided the necessary factual information to deal with Mr Atkins's Question Flag A (2)(Hong Kong telegram no. 117); but the answer, I am afraid, is liable
to be regarded by Hong Kong's critics as revealing a very unsatisfactory state of affairs.
3. I submit a draft reply. The Overseas Labour Adviser concurs.
D.F. Milton
for
PL O'Keeffe
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
11 February 1976
сс
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
PREML
"/1⁄2
CONFIDENTIAL