had been some informed criticism in the United Kingdom
moderate
quarters
P/A S.
a
ofter, from where
there were no extreme views - on this question. He instanced the need for acceleration of necessary legislation to implement the ILO recommendations and said that he would appreciate any help which Sir Y K could give in this regard.
6.
Sir Y K Kan pointed out that over half the recommendations
of the ILO had in fact been implemented although some of them were implemented with modifications. He thought, however, that any changes must be relevant to improved standards of living and acceptable to the workers. He cited an occasion some years' ago when, as Chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee, he had proposed that bus companies should give their drivers a half hour luncheon break. Left-wing unions had opposed this and threatened strike action since they preferred to work an eight hour shift straight through so that they could then take another
job in the evening.
7.
Lord Goronwy-Roberts asked Sir Y K Kan if there was room for expanding the system of taxation so as to fund increased expenditure on social account. Sir Y K pointed out that great improvements in housing, education and medical services had been achieved and thought that now that the economy was improving, there would be more revenue available for expenditure on social
account.
8. Lord Goronwy-Roberts thanked Sir Y K for his useful views on the matters raised.
AL
11/6