XN000022-1973-11-29 — Page 10

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Thursday, November 29, 1973

Turning to the Labour Tribunal, the Colonial Secretary announced

that the Legislative Council would be asked in due course to approve its

cstablishment as a permanent part of the judicial structure.

The tribunal, which was initially set up until the end of 1975,

has proved

very popular during the six months it has been in operation

dealing with 563 cases

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far more than originally estimated and about twice

the rate at which wage cases were dealt with by the District Court in recent

years.

"It is therefore apparent, from the figures alone, that the

tribunal has succeeded in obtaining the confidence of the public and that

those with claims within its jurisdiction are very willing to resort to

it," Mr. Roberts said.

Presiding Officer

It was likely, he added, that the increasing work load of the

tribunal would necessitate the appointment of an additional presiding

officer in the near future as well as additional premises.

Referring to criticism that the government was out of touch with

public opinion, the Colonial Secretary said such criticism did not take

proper account of the comprehensive network of over 100 advisory bodies on

which civil servants and members of the public sat together to formulate

advice on most matters of major importance.

These committees, he said, served as a useful bridge between the

government and the people but he conceded that too many of them had common

memberships. He felt that the field from which advice and assistance was

/sought

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