If the results of this review become known publicly, the owners of construction companies are likely to express disappointment. On the other hand those whom the conclusions are designed to protect will largely remain silent. Some of the unions may be willing to comment publicly and to support the Government's stand on the importation of labour.
Publicity
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Because the conclusions may be divisive between owners of construction companies and their labour force, it is not proposed to publicise on the findings
the findings of the review. But if the findings do become public, the Government will repeat the aims of the policy on imported labour and draw attention to the fact that from 1981 to 1986 wages in the construction industry's workforce lagged appreciably behind wages generally.
(The Secretary for Security, Mr D.G. JEAFFRESON, the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr R.G. B. BRIDGE, the Secretary for Economic Services, Mrs A. CHAN, the Director of Immigration, Mr A.J. CARTER, and Principal Assistant Secretary (Lands & Works), Mr H. B. PHILLIPSON, will attend for this item.)
3 December 1987
(SCR 1/3571/79)
COUNCIL CHAMBER