TNAG-0104-FCO40-140-Discussions-with-Governor-during-his-visits-to-UK-1969 — Page 21

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ii) Labour Legislation: the Governor in official discussions

frankly expressed disappointment at the rate of progress,

attributing this mainly to the lengthy consultations that were

necessary as well as to the complexity of some of the measures. The amendments to the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance have now been enacted and amendments to the Employment Ordinance providing

for four voluntary rest days a month are to be introduced into

Legislative Council in December. Other measures expected to come forward in the present session are the Apprenticeship Bill and legislation to establish better priorities for earned wages

in bankruptcy or liquidation.

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HILK

5/5

In the context of the progress made on legislation providing

for rest days the Governor has asked whether the Minister could

now be asked to agree to permit the grant of selective exemptions

for the employment of women in nightwork. We are in a little

difficulty here. Mr. Moreton reported on returning from Hong

Kong in June that agreement to such exemptions would depend on

progress in labour legislation as a whole but would be linked

with rest days legislation in particular. Hong Kong (in a communication after the Governor's departure on leave) suggested

that agreement depended on four specific pieces of legislation

(including rest days). The Governor has stated in discussions

here that the Minister's agreement was linked only with the

rest days legislation; and Mr. Foggon supported this view.

I attach a copy of a minute by Mr. Foggon setting out the

conditions on which he considers exemptions for night work might

now be granted. I suggest the Minister informs the Governor

that he is prepared to consider giving his agreement, mentions

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/Mr. Foggon's