HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHORTHAND-AUDIO TYPISTS ASSOCIATION
The following statement was issued by the delegation of the Hong Kong Government Shorthand-Audio Typicts Association after visiting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Wednesday, January 18, 1978.
There was a meeting with the Rt Hon Lord Goronwy-Roberts, Minister of State, at
'the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Wednesday, 18 January.
Led by Mr Tom Pendry, Labour M.P. for Stalybridge and Hyde, the delegation consisted of Mrs Matilda Cheung (chairman) and Miss Vivienne So (vice-chairman).
They were accompanied by Mr John Bloom, of the National Union of Public Employees,
and Mr Mike Hegarty, of the Public Services, International.
Mrs Cheung told Labour Weekly: "We discussed our case in considerable detail
with the Minister.
"While stressing that Hong Kong has a considerable degree of domestic autonomy he said the British government did from time to time seck to influence the Hong
Kong authorities with regard to internal matters.
"Lord Goronwy-Roberts had previously requested the Hong Kong government to consider appointing an independent arbitrator. They had asserted this would be
impracticable in view of the proposed introduction of a new system of arbitration within the civil service generally.
"For these reasons, the Minister was unable to make any firm promises to our
delegation. He did, however, show considerable sympathy with the case, we had
outlined, and said endeavours would be made to have a fresh look at the situation..
"The Minister said our association would be kept informed, through the good offices of Mr Tom Pendry, M.P., of subsequent developments.
Miss So said: "We felt meeting the Minister was useful.
i
Hopefully, this
will now lead, in the not too distant future, to a just settlement of our claim."
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM:
Mr Mik. Hegarty Public Services International) 273 3721
Mr John Bloom (National Union of Public Employees) (Office) 852 2842
(Home) (7-10pm) 642 7275
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