TNAG-0485-FCO40-550-UK-publications-on-labour-and-social-conditions-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 53

1(b)

1(c)

1(d)

CONFIDENTIAL

if he is a member; not to become a member of a trade union; or not to associate with persons for the purpose of forming or applying for the registration of a trade union. The recent enactment of this legislation means that Hong Kong can now implement this sub-paragraph.

Provisions in the Trade Unions Ordinance limit the rights of local trade unions to establish trade union federations to those unions whose members are engaged in the same trade } industry or occupation. The permission of the Governor in Council is required to permit a local trade union to join an organisation established outside Hong Kong.

These requirements can be met.

There are no restrictions on the right to strike, except that under the Illegal Strikes and Lock-Outs Ordinance a strike becomes illegal if it has objectives other than, or in addition to, the furtherance of a trade dispute.

ARTICLE

In the last few years non-contributory social security has been introduced in stages to Hong Kong. In 1971, Public Assistance underwent a major change from the issue of day rations to cash assistance. The revised scheme in force today was introduced in April 1972. Disability and Infirmity Allowances were introduced in April 1973 and Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation in May 1973.

W

Public Assistance is an income maintenance scheme designed to ensure that families or individuals should not have to live below a minimum acceptable subsistence level. This level is calculated on a sliding scale depending on the size of the family and including additional allowances for special needs. The Disability and Infirmity Allowance Scheme provides additional assistance for the severely disabled and the elderly infirm (those aged 75 or over). The rates of payment under these two schemes are regularly reviewed to keep in line with the cost of living. The latest figures show that 27,000 individuals or families are receiving Public Assistance, and that 43,000 people are receiving Disability and Infirmity Allowances.

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/ Criminal