TNAG-0256-FCO40-292-Diplomatic-reports-on-colonial-affairs-from-Governor-of-Hong-1971 — Page 13

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CONFIDENTIAL

changes, however restricted, which are designed

to enable the people of Hong Kong to participate

to a greater extent in the conduct of their own

affairs, should be introduced as soon as pos-

sible.

8.

In regard to labour legislation, while

there has been a substantial advance in measures

enacted, you do not refer to the subject of

overtime rates of pay for work done on rest

days. You will recall that the proposal to

lay down higher rates of pay for overtime

working was deleted from the Employment (Amend-

ment) (No. 2) Ordinance, 1970. I believe such

payments to be a basic right of any industrial

employee which, in countries where trade unions

are strong and effective, can be protected by

negotiations between the unions and employers.

Under conditions prevailing in Hong Kong, it is

necessary for Government to provide that prot-

ection by means of legislation and I trust that

you will reconsider the introduction of a bill

to specify rates of pay for overtime working.

I am pleased to note that the new public

assistance scheme, substituting a cash grant

for the present issue of dry rations, will be

effected shortly. The alleviation of distress

among the poorer members of the community. is a

measure to which I attach much importance.

9.