TNAG-0125-FCO40-161-Labour-force-working-conditions-1969 — Page 144

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Reference..

Mr. Stewart Way $15

Pridal

Mr. Priddle (Overseas Labour Adviser's Office, M 404)

2 MAY 1969

I attach a draft Saving Despatch to Hong Kong, replying to their Saving Despatch of 5 March (11) in which they sought clarification of an article, published in the Economist of 15 February (12).

2. I raised this matter with the DEP, who have stated that the Economist's figures were correct at 31 December, 1967 and they have given me the March 1969 figures for women on night shifts, broken down by industries as requested by Hong Kong.

3. The second paragraph of (15) raises a new aspect. Hong Kong appear to be concerned that they may be being too rigid in granting requests for exemption orders for women workers under the Factories Act, to permit them to work during "men only times" in factories; meanwhile in this country we are apparently considering abolishing such res- trictions, because "this policy seems to us suited to the prevailing social and economic conditions thase in Hong Kong might well be different - and consistent with the Government's commitment to the principle of equal pay and to discussions for its phased implementation". One of the main reasons for this is the feeling, at least within the DEP, that women are now quite capable of looking after their own interests, and secondly that our Trade Union structure is now such that the possibility of exploitation, for "sweated labour" is unreal. Where Trade Union influence is weak we have a system of statutory Wage Councils, who have responsibility for fixing wages and holidays over whole industries although not houts of work; but even here the Wages Inspector sees that minimum wage rates are enforced. Among the industries so covered are most of the textile finishing trades and plastic flowers, plus retail and service trades etc. The safety, health and welfare provisions of the Factories Act, 1961 do, of course, continue to apply, and will do so regardless of any relaxation in the regulations concerning the employment of women.

4. I propose to pass on to Hong Kong all the publications to which, DEP draw attention, stressing that the DEP's proposals are very much geared to the prevailing conditions and attitudes of this country, and do not necessarily apply to Hong Kong.

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5.

I should be grateful for Mr. Priddle's, views on the foregoing and on the Saving Despatch itself.

1.R. If way

(I. R. Murray)

30 April, 1969