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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1977
FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL
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A SERIES OF MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE ARE PROPOSED TO BRING THE LEGISLATION UP TO DATE.
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF ENABLING THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO DISCHARGE HIS DUTIES MORE EFFICIENTLY.
UNDER THE BILL. THE DEFINITION OF +COMMISSIONER+ AND +INSPECTOR+ IN THE EXISTING ORDINANCE WILL ALSO BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS IN NEWLY CREATED POSTS, SUCH AS THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS WHO WILL BE EMPOWERED TO VISIT FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, AND DELETE OTHER POSTS WHICH HAVE BEEN ABOLISHED,
THE SAME AMENDMENT WILL BE APPLIED TO THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ORDINANCE IN VIEW OF ITS CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE IN MATTERS CONCERNING SAFETY INSPECTIONS.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT UNDER THE BILL WILL EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO APPOINT CONSULTANTS FOR LIMITED PERIODS TO ACCOMPANY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN CARRYING OUT THE IR DUTIES. THESE CONSULTANTS WILL BE REGARDED AS PUBLIC OFFICERS AND BE UNDER THE SAME RESTRAINTS AS ANY PUBLIC OFFICER IN SO FAR AS REVEALING INFORMATION GAINED IN THE COURSE OF INSPECTION IS CONCERNED.
THE OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO COMPLY MORE FULLY WITH TWO INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS.
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