flammable liquids and work in compressed air. Moreover, the Governor of Hong Kong, in his statement at the opening of the current session of the Legislative Council last October announced further measures to improve conditions of employment, including the provision of a week's paid holiday from the beginning of 1978, the abolition of overtime working for young persons up to the age of 18 by 1980 and improved sickness benefits and severance payments. It is recognized that if the problem of the illegal employment of children is to be dealt with satisfactorily there must be an improvement in educational facilities. The llong Kong Government plan to meet this need hy an expanded education programme which is designed to raise the school leaving age for all to 15 hy 1980.
HIG have welcomed the Hong Kong Government's plans for the improvement of conditions of employment and better educa- tional opportunities and will do everything possible to help the Hong Kong Government meet its objectives. There are no grounds for complacency but I am satisfied that the Hong Kong Government is taking steps to deal with the problem of illegal child labour and other social problems in Hong Kong.
I am returning Mrs Owen's letter.
Jack Ashley Esq CH MP
House of Commons
London SW1
lver
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