TNAG-0579-FCO40-712-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 143

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

B

с

D-

Governor's Speech:

(pp. 16-17)

a Apprentice Ordinance passed

C

complete;

b review of Workmen's Compensation Ordinance - in hand;

Overlap:

a

b

с

d

e

f

4460

h

i

j

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

new safety regulations introduced

not yet enforced;

complete

complete though

one week's holiday with pay from 1978 approved by

ExCo;

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;

consideration of further safety legislation - in hand; consideration of legislation to provide greater

protection of wages in the case of bankruptcy or liquidation - in hand;

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

prohibition of employment of under 14s by 1979 and under 15s by 1980;

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

examination of trado union position in light of Turner Report;

d 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

SECRET