CONFIDENTIAL
3.
Mr Callaghan recognised that Hong Kong was something of a problem but it had to be borne in mind that it was in a unique situation: attached, but completely unrelated, to the hinterland. He had discussed the question of representa- tion on the Legislative Council with the Governor during the latter's recent visit to London. The Governor, who was doing a very good job in difficult circumstances, had told him that he proposed to widen the representation on LegCo as soon as was practicable but had explained the difficulty of finding good people for positions on a body which was, after all, more analogous to a Cabinet than a Legislature. Mr Callaghan understood that the best source for new members of LegCo was expected to be the recently formed Mutual Aid Committees which could be expected to throw up natural leaders in due course. The MACS had, however, only been in operation for little more than a year and still needed time to settle down. If the National Executive Committee had any names they wished the Governor to consider, he would be glad to pass them on.
4.
Mr Callaghan added that the Governor had unsuccessfully attempted on several occasions during recent visits to London to make contact with Labour Members of Parliament to explain the situation in Hong Kong to them. Mr Callaghan had asked for three weeks' notice of his next visit so that he could see whether it would be possible..to arrange meetings between the Governor on the one hand and the Labour International Committee and the TUC on the other. It was the Party's responsibility to help the Governor do his job and the Party would have no excuse if they failed to make contact next time.
5.
Mr Callaghan invited Mr Foggon to explain the trade union situation in Hong Kong. Mr Foggon said that it was indeed true that the trade unions were small in Hong Kong, a fact which derived from the large number of small industries in the Colony and the deep division in the political allegiances of the Chinese population. However, anti-union discrimination was now a legal offence in Hong Kong and the unions could rely on the active help of the Governor in seeking to build a stronger trade union movement. Industrial Relations Bill setting up a conciliation/arbitration service provided for a very strong and effective conciliation service and the pressures on employers would be very considerable.
6.
The new
Mr Mikardo said that, while this might be true, the law in Hong Kong did as a matter of fact continue to make amalgamation very difficult and prevented the unions from employing paid officials. Mr Foggon replied that the Ordinance was indeed still somewhat over-complicated. The Ordinance had been simplified four years ago and he hoped to be able to advise on other forms of simplification in due course.
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/Mr Callaghan
SM
CONFIDENTI AL
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