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They have no influence or contact with the left wing unions. There is also little evidence that they have been able to play any effective role or to change materially the apathy towards trade unionism shown by the average Hong Kong worker.
55. At a meeting, with representatives of the HKTUC on 13 February. concern was expressed at the continued delay over the legislation to combat anti-union discrimination and about the absence of any action to implement the Labour Advisory Board's recommendations on severance pay. There was also disappointment that the Board's recommendations on overtime for women and young persons had not been acted on. The Labour Advisory Board is an important part of the structure of consultation that in Hong Kong must take the place of representational politics. If this consultative body is to be something more than window dressing then there must be a greater readiness on the part of Executive Council to act on its recommendations. (A note on points raised at this meeting with the HKTUC was made by Mr T F Tsui of the Department of Labour who was present).
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Comparison of Hong Kong's Labour Standards with those of Neighbouring Countries
56. From time to time Executive Council has asked that enquirics be made as to the practices in neighbouring countries with regard to overtime etc. Comparison of specific conditions of labour such as this could give rise to misunderstanding since a lower standard in one aspect of labour law may be compensated for by more generous provisions in other areas. In short, if there is to be a comparison. it should be done on a comprehensive basis showing the totality of labour conditions and not simply selected aspects. It would be best also if a comprehensive enquiry were to be undertaken by an independent organisation - preferably the International Labour Organisation, which has a Regional Office at Bangkok.
57. If these enquiries had been initiated in order to find out where neighbouring countries were ahead, so as to adjust Hong Kong conditions' upwards, they might be of value. But the intention would appear to be the opposite : not to move ahead of neighbouring countries in case the edge of Hong Kong's competitiveness should be blunted. A negative policy such as this could only retard social progress. (Perhaps a comparison of tax burdens might also be appropriate. In Hong Kong in 1973, exports (in round figures) of £1,600m.; re-exports of £500m.; thriving banking, insurance and shipping (Hong Kong residents control about 20m. tons of shipping); a booming tourist industry; and a domestic market of 4m. people, produced only £100m. in earnings and profits tax!)
Department of Labour
58. The Department has been well treated in its requests for an increased establishment. But the rapid increase in staff is creating training problems and this is an area where we should be ready to help from Britain. The regular Labour Administration Courses organised in London by the Department of Employment on behalf of the Ministry of Overseas Development have proved of
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