TNAG-0127-FCO40-163-Illegal-strikes-and-lockouts-ordinance-1969 — Page 12

CONFIDENT IAL

on

conceive of circumstances in which, even as

amended, they might be of practical value in

view of the difficulties of enforcement;

both these grounds I would greatly prefer to

have seen such provisions disappear from the

Statute Book. I note however that it is on the

strength of their deterrent value that it is

suggested they should be retained and made

part of Hong Kong's permanent legislation.

recognise that their retention could have such

value in present circumstances in Hong Kong;

that such circumstances are unlikely to change

in the foreseeable future, and that in these

circumstances the disappearance of such

I

provisions from the Statute Book could serve as

political

an incitement to agitation, concealed in

industrial guise. I would therefore be prepared

to agree, if on further reflection you feel you

must maintain your recommendation as made over

a year ago, that legislation dealing with strikes

and lock-outs in essential industries should

become part of your permanent legislation.

7

But

I could not, as at present advised, accept that

this should be done without at the same time

making specific countervailing provision for

the settlement of any disputes which might arise

in the trades or industries to which the

Ordinance would apply.

6.

The measures which I have in mind in this

connection would be

(contained in paragraph 1(1)

(a)a provision (as/under Section 5 of the

CONFIDEN T IA L

model

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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