TNAG-0230-FCO40-266-Conditions-of-employment-of-labour-force-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 18

Hong Kong Standard,

February 17th 1970..

Govt plans

child labour

blitz in factories

By HAROLD YAU

THE LABOUK Department will soon launch a blitz on factories employing child labour - one of Hongkong's most disturbing problems.

The mechanics of the drive, which is being described as an "intensive campaign." are being kept a closely guarded secret to avoid warning off offenders.

Х

firms, are guilty of hiring child labour.

Sources believe, however. ! Hongkong's 14,400 industrial; the drive will take the form of unannounced Visits by labour inspectors to factories with a bad record for using child labour.

These electronics,

would

include plastics, light

metal, woollen knitting, and

Many of the lawbreakerS are small factories in con- gested areas commonly referred to as

backyard

industries.

Here, in distressing corr

electric bulb manufacturing | ditions. 1. and 13-year-old industries.

Disclosing the campaign yesterday, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mr. # Williams, said a similar drive last August had resulted in regal proceeding against 298 employers.

cases

In these

10 far wrought before the courts. the heaviest fine imposed was $2.000 on a factory owner convicted of employing five children under the age of 14 yer, Md.

Maximuma

The maximum fine for this offence is $5,000 but, as far as can be ascertained, it has never been imposed.

In the past it has bec.. more customary for magis- trates to fine offenders an average of $75 for every cum! employed a fact which has angered community leaders and disappointeu Morul inspectors

No one knows the exact{ mumber of children employed

children work up to 14 hours * day

inspectors

1968-69.

labour

In inspectors made 36,385 visits to factories resulting in 325 prosecutions.

Last August alone, factory inspectors called on 1 708 factories and found 1,387 children

The figures would have been highes if the inspectori had caught the many children who fled on their approach, but the law prevents in- spectors from chasing such runaways.

The impending blitz on factories was generally wel- comed by community leaders.

.One Urban Councilor, Dr Denny Huang, however, feli the children should be left alone as most of them formed "an important source" of the family income.

Public assistance and social in factories, although there | welfare, he believed, chouid

have beco numerous que Jes.

be drastically improved first

The Labour Department, before any serious effort at however, concedes that one | stamping out child labour w21 in four, or 3,600 out of made.

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