CONFIDENTIAL
4. In this connection we should like to know whether Executive Council have accepted need to extend the restriction on hours of work, in due course, to those industries and occupations in which the great majority of employers adopt the ten hour day e.g. garment making and plastics.
5. We hope you will agree that any pressure exerted from this Office over the past nine years has been as reasonable as the immediate objective we are seeking to achieve, regardless of the existence or otherwise of the protectionist desires to which you refer. In any event, in face of your difficulties with local employers, it is not clear how any progress is to be made in bringing hours of work of Hong Kong women and young persons into line with other Asian countries without outside pressure.
You should also know that John Rankin has tabled the following question for answer on Tuesday, 25th April: "In view of the undertakings given by Her Majesty's Government that the Government of Hong Kong would introduce legislation to reduce hours of work for women and children employed in the textile industry from 60 48 hours per week, what steps he now proposes to take?"
6.
7. Grateful to receive your telegraphic comment on foregoing by noon G.M.T.; Monday 24th. Can we yet say anything publicly about the Executive Council decision referred to in your Savingram No. 538?
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H.K. & W.I.D. 'C'
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Foreign Office
Mr. Foggon
CONFIDENTIAL
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