No.169.
Sir,
RECEIVE
3
Government House,
Hong Kong,
8th November, 1946.
72
I have the honour to refer to your despatch No.49 of
13th June, 1946, with which was enclosed a memorandum by Miss Eleanor
Hinder on Future Labour Administration in Hong Kong, and to your
saving telegram No.225 of 21st September, 1946, enclosing a copy of
Mr. B.C.K. Hawkins' comments on Miss Finder's memorandum. As requested
in your despatch under reference I now forward my views on Miss Hinder's
proposals.
2.
STAFFING OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
(a) Administrative Staff.
Miss Hinder suggests that there should be a Labour
Commissioner, an Assistant Labour Officer, and a second Assistant Labour
Officer, preferably Chinese, to deal with labour union relations, media-
tion of disputes, etc. The work of the Labour Department has increased
considerably in recent months and with the introduction of new legislation
in regard to Trade Unions and Workmen's Compensation is likely to increase
still further. I am therefore of the opinion that the administrative and
inspectorate staff will probably be even larger than that proposed by Miss
Hinder, although all the appointments contemplated may not be filled for
some time to come.
Combining Miss Hinder's and Mr. Hawkins' suggestions,
the administrative staff which may eventually be required will consist of:-
(i) A Labour Commissioner. This officer would be the Head of
the Department and would be responsible for the development of
policy and general administration. He would also be ex officio
Chairman of the Labour Advisory Board, and though he would not
act as "Executive" to this Board, since its functions are purely
The Right Honourable
Arthur Creech Jones, P.C., M.P.
RECEIVED 25 NOV 1946
C. O. REGY
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.