TNAG-0232-FCO40-268-Legislation-relating-to-registration-of-trade-unions-in-Hong-1970 — Page 49

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Background Material

Mr. Frank Judd, MP, wrote to Mr. Godber on 4 September

enclosing a Memorandum received from a Mr. J. W. England, who

is Deputy Director, Department of Extra-Mural Studies, at

the University of Hong Kong. Mr. James Johnson, MP,

Mr. Peter Blaker, MP, and Mr. Victor Feather have also

expressed interest in this draft legislation.

2. The Memorandum contains a number of criticisms of the

draft Trade Union Registration (Amendment) Bill 1970 which was

issued for general consideration in August. The main

objections raised by Mr. England relate to clauses about

picketing and about debarment from holding office in a trade

union.

3. Legal advisers have considered Mr. England's memorandum

and have suggested an amendment to the proposed clause on

debarment which the Hong Kong Government have accepted.

4. The Hong Kong Government are now considering the

representations received on the draft legislation and it

seems likely that the revised Bill will be introduced into

the Legislative Council late in November or early in

December.