CO129-629-11 Manufacture of shirts 1-1-1950 - 30-11-1950 — Page 30

COMITTER

OF

TRIVE

COUNCIL

5316.

To me with Who hd

C.R.E. 17791/49

Dear Mr, Morris,

w.w.m

318w2

Noro

Set HOS

BOARD OF TRADE,

MILLBANK,

S. W. 1.

2nd August, 1950

Amed 20

Some little time ago we received a copy of a memorandum on labour conditions in the Hong Kong cotton textile industry which was prepared in the Colonial Office.

This memorandum suggests that you are not entirely happy about labour conditions in the industry. As a result of Japanese competition it would appear that. some manufacturers have been trying to reduce wages. Moreover, the wage agreement entered into shortly after the war has apparently lapsed and it seems that efforts to persuade manufacturers to enter into a new agreement have so far failed.

I note that you have now asked the Governor of Hong Kong whether, in view of the wage situation in the industry, he does not think the establishment of a Trade Board would be desirable. As you know, we are keenly interested in labour conditions in the Hong Kong textile industry because if there is any suggestion that the labour employed could be regarded as "sweated", the concern in the United Kingdom about imports of cheap shirts from Hong Kong will be greatly increased, and with justification.

I should be grateful, therefore, if you could let me know if you have had any reply from the Governor of Hong Kong to your approach and, if so, whether he feels that it would be advisable to do something about wages in the textile industry. I am afraid that if the Governor is doubtful whether the time is ripe for action, we shall have to press you to suggest to him that he should

29 18

W Morris, Esq.,

Colonial Office, Church House

Great Smith Street, S.W.1.

/reconsider

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