TNAG-0004-FCO40-40-Departmental-briefs-about-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 69

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

Hong Kong Garrison

9. We have said (in Parliament) that we intend to maintain an

adequate garrison in the Colony and that we intend to fulfil

our responsibilities and obligations there.

Labour Conditions

10. A start was made in December last year on the phased

reduction of hours of work of women and young persons from

60 hours a week to 48, over a four year period.

11. During his visit in October the Minister of State

(Lord Shepherd) initiated discussions on the introduction of a

weekly rest day for men; the Hong Kong Federation of

Industries has since recommended to its members the adoption

of a working month of 26 days.

12.

Real wages have risen substantially over the last 9 years.

While the cost of living index rose by nearly 25%, the overall

index of actual wage rates more than doubled between 1958 (100)

and 1967 (203).

13. There are plans for strengthening the Hong Kong Government's

Labour Department and for improving labour/management relations.

CONFIDENTIAL