TNAG-0338-FCO40-374-Report-of-visits-of-Overseas-Labour-Adviser--G-Foggon--from--1972 — Page 18

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CONFIDENTIAL

33 Career pamphlets have so far been produced, of which Chinese versions are being printed. The work of this Service is of particular importance given the growing reluctance of young people to enter industrial employment and the existing shortage of labour in the industrial sector (estimated currently at more than 20,000). It would be helpful in this connection if projected legislation on industrial training could be brought forward, but this in turn depends on decisions being taken at a reasonably early date on the report of the Industrial Training Advisory Committee.

Factory and Labour Inspectorates

21. A full scale survey of the factory and labour inspectorates was carried out in 1970 by two experienced specialists from the United Kingdom, with the following terms of reference:-

"To review and advise the Governor of Hong Kong on:

(a) the general arrangements for the recording,

registration and inspection of factories and industrial undertakings;

(b) the staffing, training, administration,

effectiveness

and coverage of the Factory and Labour Inspectorates, with reference to current conditions and anticipated future developments."

The

22. The detailed proposals that were subsequently made (Christy-Battenson Report) have now been examined by the Commissioner of Labour and a preliminary view formed. questions at issue are too detailed to be set out here and will be the subject of separate correspondence. The main points, however, are as follows:-

(a) The recommendation that the two inspectorates

be amalgamated is rejected. (Extension of holidays with pay and sickness allowance to non-industrial employment would in any case create difficulties if the two inspectorates were combined.)

(b) The abolition of the present registration system is

supported.

(c) Notwithstanding the recommendation about staffing

ratios, it is the intention to recruit further staff for the inspectorates.

(d) The 'sealed envelope' system of night visits will

not be abandoned.

(e) While it is accepted that the two inspectorates should engage in more educational duties, it is considered that prosecution must continue to be the principal weapon to ensure compliance with the law.

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CONFIDENTIAL