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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
which represents a drop of some 10% compared with 1954. Chinese employers are accustomed to make staff changes around Chinese New Year, which falls in the first quarter, so that the number of disputes was, as usual, higher in this period, gradually declining towards the end of the year.
LEGISLATION
The Factories and Workshops Ordinance was replaced in September by the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, 1955, which is an ordinance of greater scope, making possible a more effective control over the conditions of employment of workmen in industry. Regulations under the new ordinance replaced those under the old. The new legislation is designed to meet problems raised by the Colony's greatly increased industrial activity. It ensures that Hong Kong's obligations under I.L.O. Conventions are fully met.
A minor amendment was made to the Mining Ordinance, 1954, to extend the permissible length of prospecting and mining licences. In addition, a Trade Unions Registration Bill, drafted in consultation with the Registry of Trade Unions, to replace in part the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Ordinance, 1948, was submitted to the Government. Draft legislation on apprenticeship and on the inspection and control of pressure vessels was under consideration.
SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE
Factory Registration and Inspection is undertaken by the Labour Department to ensure proper standards of industrial health and safety. During the year 584 applications for registration were received. 372 registration certificates were issued; 63 were refused and the premises closed down. 192 factories found operating in unsuitable buildings were closed down, and 205 registration certificates were surrendered for cancellation, the premises for which they were issued having ceased to be used as factories. At the close of 1955 there were 1,979 places of employment registered and 718 applications for registration were still outstanding. These figures do not include recorded establish- ments, which are premises not registrable under law but kept under observation by the inspectorate. In addition to these,