AIR MAIL
See t
35
Our Ref: CR 7/5683/74 k
Dear Jolut
ex
RTR
90
N Thompsor
817/4
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
HONG KONG.
10 April 1978
(22)
Pk Hurst.
2.
Application of ILO Conventions
Thank you for your letter of 2 March.
It seems to me that your proposed basis for counting the number of declarations is in fact the system we have been adopting generally, with minor variations at times. Adhering strictly to the basis proposed, I can confirm that the details for 1977 and 1978 given in your letter are correct.
3.
However, the problem referred to in paragraph 3 of your letter does not seem to be completely resolved by the adoption of the proposed system although I would expect very few cases to give rise to difficulties. Strictly speaking the most accurate system to adopt would be to take the date on which any new or improved declaration is registered with the ILO. But this would have the disadvantage of deferring effectively Hong Kong 's compliance position by about four months on average unless a caveat is entered to reflect action already taken. However, I see no objection to using this method if you see advantage in doing so. Could you let me have your reaction to this in due course.
4.
I have asked the Commissioner for Labour to examine the three Conventions you mention, Nos. 100, 120 and 140. My preliminary reaction is that there would be considerable enforcement and practical problems to be overcome. In any case, in addition to these three Conventions, we will continue to examine the position later this year with a view to identifying further areas
I will let you for making improved declarations in 1979. know the outcome in due course.
Moun
ever
26/4
( E. P. Ho )
Secretary for Social Services
J.A.B. Stewart, Esq., OBE, Hong Kong & General Department, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London, SW1A 2AH,
United Kingdom.