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essence based on the situation prevailing in Hong Kong in the 1920's. There are no closed or agency shops in Hong Kong and I would not expect any planned reforms to lead to such developments.
8. The Hong Kong Labour Department's efforts in the trade union training field which at present deal with trade union organisation and administration might now advantageously be increased. The FTU has the best 'in-house' training facilities and it might be worth examining some form of extended training courses which would include all unions. It is noteworthy that in the UK the DES provide £1.8M per annum to the TUC for such courses and there is also an annual ODA grant to TUC (now £80,000) for similar activities overseas (under FCO guidance).
9.
Similarly appropriate British Trade Unionists whom in the past have generally avoided Hong Kong might be encourged to make a visit, or at least include it on an itinerary that includes Peking (q.v.). The awareness of the Hong Kong labour movement to external influence can only be beneficial. For example, Lord Murray's recent visit was regarded locally as very useful.
ILO
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10. The UK has ratified 69 of the ILO's 152 conventions; and Hong kong, as a non-metropolitan territory, has asked UK to ratify 49 on its behalf. China, on the other hand, has ratified only 14, of which Hong Kong now accepts 11. China, as PRC, rejoined ILO in 1971 after the expulsion of Taiwan, but took no part until 1983 when it began to take an active role in ILO's proceedings. Consequently, it is still feeling its way at ILO.
11. The future position, ie post 1997, of Hong Kong at ILO will shortly be appraised by the JLG (Joint Liaison Group) and there is a strong case for an early resolution. The ILO is a senior member of the UN family and is the only one to operate on a tripartite basis. The UK firmly supports its control and reporting system as a means of ensuring the worldwide application of its conventions, particularly those concerning the freedom of association and labour standards. This is of special importance viz-a-viz the Eastern bloc, eg Poland.
12. Hong Kong's application by ratification of various ILO standards has provided it with an air of respectability in world trading circles. This has served to enhance Hong Kong's international trading position when faced with demands for protectionism. It would therefore be to Hong Kong's advantage if the existing arrangements at ILO could be continued after 1997 under China's auspices.
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As a