benefits, assistance for schooling, and a number of other benefits. In addition, a number of factories are in fact working only 8 hours a day, especially those engaged in continuous production i.e. three shifts per day.
"Conditions in Hong Kong will gradually improve as industry becomes better established. We must remember that the advanced countries had a long period in which to adjust to changing conditions. The United States of America took more than one hundred years to reduce from 68 to 40 hours. The United Kingdom also took more than 100 years to reduce from 60 to 48/44 hours.
"We have a very hardworking people in Hong Kong.
Both manage- ment and workers work hard. By nature, we enjoy working. This is the biggest asset in Hong Kong. Please do not introduce legislation or
If the hard- encourage unionism to take away this precious asset from us. working spirit of the people of Hong kong is spoiled, industry in Hong Kong will not be in a competitive position anymore. For many years, employers in industry have been trying hard to improve the living standard of their workers. The labour force here is mobile, and if we do not treat them well, they will leave us and find work elsewhere in the Colony, with better pay and better treatment. This natural trend of adjustment is better than legislation.
"We submit that we cannot afford to cut working hours until we are able to improve productivity faster than the rising wages which would involve installation of high cost modern equipment and machinery, and acquirement of knowledge of the improved methods of production. All these things take time. All we ask is a longer transition period until adjust- ment can be made in favourable conditions.
"As it is unlikely that the U.h. can afford a 40-hour week now, in the same way Hong Kong cannot afford a 54-hour week, not to say a 48- hour week, at the moment for women and young people, who form an important part of our labour force."
Dr. Chung supplemented Mr. Lin's points with the fact that in the United States, female workers were allowed to work during any period within the 24-hour day, while women workers in Hong Kong could not work on the night shift.
Arising from the discussion, Sir Sik-nin referred to the Hansard Report on Adjournment Debate, dated 27th February, 1967, in which Mr. James Johnson, M.P., made the statement that "The conditions for women and juveniles who work in Hong Kong are worse than in other Asian territories not Commonwealth territories and such places like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, but alien places such as Seoul, Manila and Tokyo." Sir Sik-nin said that labour conditions and the standard of living obtaining in Hong Kong were certainly the best in the Far East, with the possible exception of Japan.
Mr. Bowden said he would take note of these points, and indicated that the Legislative Council would discuss the subject soon. Fressure from the industrial and commercial community on the subject would have a very important bearing on the issue.
Mr. Bowden thanked all those present for their views, and Dr. Chung, on behalf of the two associations, expressed his appreciation to Mr. Bowden for receiving the industrial representatives, despite his very full programme.
The Meeting closed at 5.00 p.m.
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