XN000022-1967-10-20 — Page 3

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"I came with no magic solution, but I do believe that there is an

opportunity for sound change in the Colony. Some changes, particularly in

the field of labour reform, are possible. When I came here, I expected to

be challenged and obstructed but on the other hand I found willingnoss and

determination by employers and by Government to achieve reform. Clearly it

is not my responsibility but that of the Government of Hong Kong to announce

the details of proposed legislation, and there are some very interesting

proposals. I have very great confidence that these proposals, in due course,

will be placed upon the Statute Book. There was one aspect which has givon

us all very great concern, particularly in the United Kingdom, and that

related to the hours of work for women and young persons.

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Today the statutory limit is some 60 hours per week. I am vory

pleased to say that, from December 1, 1967, with the agreement of employers,

we shall start to reduce the hours of work for women and young persons to

48 hours per week and we shall achieve this over four years 30 minutes'

reduction in the first instance and yet another 30 minutes' roduction in

the socond year. In order that there should be a period of adjustment in

industry, I have agreed to raise the statutory limit of overtime. I am

confident that legislation will be prepared and enacted at an early date.

"I have also started discussions with management in regard to non.

I would like to see, and I believe this can now be achieved, men given a

statutory one day off each week. I have been impressed with the existing

standards in many of our companies. In practice, this has been adopted by

many companies in Hong Kong and I think it is right, therefore, that this

should prevail throughout the Colony.

economy.

"What we seek to do, however, must depend on the growth of the

Labour reforms and higher standards demand higher efficiency and

/higher