9. WHY THEN DOES HMG INTERVENE?
Regardless of the numbers involved, HMG has a responsibility towards the people of Hong Kong. I am anxious to do all I can to try and bring to a satisfactory conclusion any dispute.
10. CAN HMG INSTRUCT THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG TO TAKE A PARTICULAR COURSE OF ACTION?
Yes, but in practice such a step would be taken only in the most serious circumstances and then only as a last resort. It is much better to try, as we are at present, to reach an agreed solution.
11. WOULD THIS LAST RESORT BE USED IF NO AGREEMENT IS REACHED?
I hardly think the Hong Kong Government would allow this position to be reached.
12. IS IT NOT TRUE THAT THE LABOUR RELATIONS IN GENERAL AND THE POSITION OF TRADE UNIONS IN HONG KONG ARE UNSATISFACTORY?
This is a question about which HMG and the Hong Kong Goverz ment are both very much concerned. It was for this reason that Professor Turner, an internationally respected expert in this field, has been asked to undertake a study of the whole questio of labour relations in Hong Kong.
13. WHEN WILL THE STUDY BE COMPLETED? WILL IT BE PUBLISHED A WILL THE RECOMMENDATIONS BE IMPLEMENTED?
It is hoped that the report will be ready this summer. decision on publication of the report or implementation of any of its recommendations cannot be made until my right honourab Friend has had a chance to study it.
14. IS IT NOT TRUE THAT THE RECORD OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNME ON LABOUR CONDITIONS IS POOR?
Great progress has been made in recent years, through enactment of legislation, to improve working and social cond The Hong Kong Government accepts that continuing improvemení is necessary.