it work.
It may be sicgested that the Hong Kong Government has
exaggerated its uifficulties but I do not think this is so. A
few Trade Unions have expressed themselves as being in favour of
an improvement in the hours of work for women and young persons
but this is by no means the case for the union movement as a whole.
This may be because the movement is divided and ineffective
politically but I am assured that it is also a reflection of
general opinion in the community which is still at a stage at which
it is more concerned with increased earnings than increased leisurɔ,
Their conditions have improved tremendou sly - over the past 7 years
the wage index has almost doubled and they are reluctant to
accept measures which they feel
this improvement. One must remember also that it is in the smaller
businesses operated on a family basis that the 10 hour day is mainly
to be found. In the modern mills and factories 8 hour shift working
is very nearly general practice.
5.
wrongly I am sure - might prejudice
Of course I do not regard the circumstances described as reasons
for not proceeding with amending legislation and I should like to make
it abundantly clear that I hold just as strong views on the subject
as any other Member. But in addition to holding views I also have
responsibility for safeguarding the interests and wellbeing of
Hong Kong, I am determined to continue our pressure on the Hong Kong
Government over this reduction of hours of work but the method of
/implementation
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