TNAG-0234-FCO40-270-Labour-disputes-and-trade-unions-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 18

(b) Debarment of persons from becoming an officer of a

trade union for a period of 5 years when they have

been convicted of stated offences.

The change is a relaxation of the present law which

imposes permanent debarment, but in view of the

criticism of obscurity levelled against the inclusion

of 'offences against public order', this is being

deleted.

(c) Addition of 'obstruction' to the picketing law.

This was generally opposed in the Labour Advisory Board

and the clause has been dropped.

(d) Picketing of a private residence.

Summary

3.

In overseas conditions, picketing of a worker's home

is likely to cause intimidation. The amendment to the

law does not restrict the right to picket at a place

where a worker both resides and works.

There has been the fullest public discussion of the Bill

in Hong Kong and it has been carefully examined in the Labour

Advisory Board there, on which both the Hong Kong TUC and the

Employers' Federation are represented. Full account has also

been taken of representations received in London and conveyed to

the Hong Kong Government by the Secretary of State. With the

exception of the picketing provision, all other proposed

changes to which there has been any serious objection have been

dropped.

14 DEC 70.