ag B
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SECRET
have had to be put back somewhat as a result of the recession, there should be some reacceleration when, as expected, there is an upswing in the trade cycle. The casual visitor to Hong Kong can see that much needs to be done and the incidence of crime indicates how great the social and demographic pressures are. But there is no doubt about the Governor's determination to tackle these problems.
7.
I attach briefs on the four particular points raised by the NEC at their meeting with the Secretary of State on 23 April. To these I might add the following general points:-
Application of ILO Conventions
As Mr Foggon's brief makes clear, Hong Kong's record in this matter is good compared with that of her Asian neighbours and of course there is no cheating which is apparently all too often the case in some developing countries. There are, however, cases where, with minor amendments to the law or minor adaptations of current practice, Hong Kong could extend its application of the relevant ILO Conventions with beneficial effects to her image abroad. In a conversation with the Commissioner for Labour on 9 July, I pointed out the political importance of doing everything possible to meet international opinion in these matters. I hope this conversation, together with the arrangements for Ministerial review outlined in Mr Foggon's brief, will result in some progress in due course.
Labour Relations
The weakness of the Hong Kong seafarers unions, about which Mr McCluskie in particular complained, is part of a more general picture involving the trade unions generally. The Secretary of State will recall having written to Mr Slater about the problem recently.
1
Mr Foggon's brief sets out many objections to the proposals for an enquiry on the lines of the Donovan Commission. I would expect the Governor to be very strongly opposed to such a proposal and indeed. industrial relations in Hong Kong are not so unsatisfactory as to make it a self-evidently useful exercise. Nonetheless, there is evidence that the new Labour Relations Bill before LegCo has met with a hostile
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