TNAG-0232-FCO40-268-Legislation-relating-to-registration-of-trade-unions-in-Hong-1970 — Page 122

Confidential

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taking was the setting up of Labour Courts. On his forthcoming

visit to Hong Kong he would be discussing this and other related matters. In the labour relations field Hong Kong had peculiar difficulties to overcome, not least, the sharp division of the Trade Unions themselves along political lines.

Mr. Gibson then expressed his anxiety about the role of the

Police in Hong Kong, who, he felt, implemented the law strictly according to the letter - to the disadvantage of the workers. He was, however, satisfied with the new law on picketing. Mr. Royle stressed the difference between the situation in

Hong Kong and that in the United Kingdom. It was difficult to bring conditions there in line with those in Britain.

Mr. Fogron said that the expression "offences against Public Order" in the clause of the proposed Bill (dealing with the debarment from official positions in a Trade Union of individuals who had committed certain offences) was too widely drawn and was being examined by us. The TUC were concerned

about this definition.

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Mr. Gibson returned again to the question of the implemen-

tation of the Law. He had himself seen instances where the

Factory Inspectorate regulations were not enforced. In this

connection, he felt bribery undoubtedly played a part.

Mr. Royle said that, in the East, there was a traditional diffe-

rence in attitude to corruption, however deplorable this might

be.

But he felt that corruption was far less rife in Hong Kong

than in other Far Eastern countries. It was to deal with this

situation that the Anti-Corruption Bill had been introduced. This was a tough measure which would necessitate some cutting back of the freedom of the individual, but the problem could only be effectively dealt with by such means.

Hong Kong Department

October, 1970.

Confidential