and wounded one man. The greatest restraint was exercised throught by the police, despite extreme provocation. The Secretary of State and I have already paid public tribute to them in Hong Kong, and I do so again now. I would like
them to know how much we admire their restraint in these
very difficult circumstances.
Br
36 police and 70 demonstrators were reported as injured. Of these, three police and 14 others were admitted to
hospital, but have since been discharged. There was one.
death, that of a bystander who was killed by a stone. 815
persons were arrested, of whom 65 have been released or
acquitted. Of the remainder 565 have been convicted, and 185 cases are pending. All those arrested are being dealt with by the normal processes of the law. The House may feel that these facts contrast somewhat with other reports which have appeared elsewhere, alleging, for example, that on one day alone "at least 200 compatriots were killed or severely injured".
Scho
Since the 22nd May there have been no demonstrations. but there have been a series of token stoppages. There has been widespread and forthright public support in Hong Kong for the measures taken by the Government to deal with violence, intimidation and hooliganism and to preserve order. The Governor has received messages of support from over 500
representative organisations. My latest information is that work at both the factories involved in the original labour dispute has now been resumed.
The House may wish to know that for some time now
improvements in labour conditions have been under consideration
in Hong Kong, and I am in consultation with the Governor about
changes in the labour laws, which I think we all feel would be. timely. They include such matters as hours of work for women
and young persons, and conciliation machinery.
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