TNAG-0325-FCO40-361-Proposed-visit-by-the-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1972 — Page 110

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM

my

6. During hie visit to the Colony in October last, my

$

honourable Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

discussed with the Governor the question of the reform of the

Urban Council and I expect to receive the Governor's proposals

soon.

LABOUR QUESTIONS

7. Wages are high by Asian standards and in general, conditions

of work in Hong Kong are second only to those in Japan amongst

Asian countries. Over the last decade the real wages of

workers in the manufacturing industries have risen by an average

of 5.7 per cent per annum. A wide ranging legislative pro-

gramme, including an Industrial Relations Bill and the establish-

ment of Labour Courts, is under consideration.

REQUEST FOR LOAN FROM HMG FOR EXTENSION OF KAI TAK AIRPORT

8. The difficulties in the way of granting a loan for the

development of the airport have been explained to the Hong Kong

Government.

COMMUNIST PRISONERS IN HONG KONG

9. The Chinese Government have expressed concern to us on many

occasions about the prisoners serving sentences in Hong Kong

about 70.

(who now

for offences committed during the disturbances in 1967/

A11

were tried in open court. All these prisoners are eligible for

normal remission. Apart from this, the sentences of long-term

prisoners are reviewed regularly under the Hong Kong prison

rules.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

10. An official of the British Government has been seconded to

Hong Kong to advise and assist in the introduction of a new

Public Assistance Scheme. The new proposals are based on cash

payments and the maintenance of a minimum income level.

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