TNAG-0129-FCO40-165-Labour-legislation-1970 — Page 48

with

Parliamentary Office

The attached Parliamentary Question by John Rankin, MP,

is for written answer tomorrow, Friday 28th February. The

draft reply is based on Hong Kong telegram no. 188 attached.

Mr. Rankin has shown concern about working hours in Hong Kong

for several years, and recently asked about the hours of work

for women and young persons in Government industry.

As in the United Kingdom, hours of work are not

restricted for most workers in the non-industrial sector,

i.e. in those undertakings such as shops and restaurants

which are not covered by the terms of the Factories and

Industrial Undertakings Ordinance.

There are no restrictions on the hours worked by adult

males. The hours of work of women and young persons working

in industry are restricted and are being reduced in phases,

over a four year period, from a 60 hour to a 48 hour week.

Similar statutory restrictions are not contemplated for

women and young persons in other sectors.

Although it is not strictly relevant to the question,

the Governor of Hong Kong has reported that his proposed labour

legislation includes the introduction of statutory rest days

for certain workers in the non-industrial sectors, especially

shops and service trades.

L.5. Carter

Hong Kong Department 27 February, 1969

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