TNAG-0573-FCO40-706-Monitoring-of-progress-made-on-planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 106

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CI

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Reference...

B(b)(ii). We have expressed reservations by telegram and verbally (during Mr Stewart's visit) and will be submitting on the question.

(8) LABOUR

A Governor's Speech:

B

(pp 16-17)

a

Apprentice Ordinance passed

complete;

b review of Workmen's Compensation Ordinance in hand;

Overlap:

a

increase in statutory holidays from 6 to 10 - complete though not yet enforced;

b new safety regulations introduced

not yet enforced;

MAR

complete though

C

one week's holiday with pay from 1978 ExCo;

www

approved by

d one rest day a week from 1977 (i.e. 52 instead of

48 a year);

compensation scheme for workers suffering from asbestosis and silicosis in hand;

in hand;

e

f

g

consideration of further safety legislation consideration of legislation to provide greater protection of wages in the case of bankruptcy or liquidation - in hand;

C

D

h

i

j

consideration of statutory minimum wages for low

paid occupations;

limitations on hours of work for adult males; statutory provision for overtime rates;

k severance pay up from 1/3 to and contractors liable.

Planning Paper:

a

b

C

d

e

prohibition of employment of under 148 by 1979 and under 15s by 1980;

reduction of maximum hours overtime for young persons in stages from 200 to 0 by 1980;

examination of trade union position in light of Turner Report;

removal of restrictions on office-holders in trade unions;

ILO Conventions: raising from 21-27 the number of fully applied conventions and from 12-14 those applied with modifications.

Comment:

The omissions (Section C) are important but, with the exception of (c) which in the nature of things cannot be done at present, the Hong Kong Government are under- stood to have proposals in hand.

5

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