TNAG-0606-FCO40-754-Monitoring-progress-made-on-planning-papers-on-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 224

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4.

(c) Agenda Item 2(c): Further Labour Legislation

It was agreed that the Hong Kong Government plans for labour legislation up to the end of 1977 were satisfactory. Thereafter they might be asked to prepare a yearly programme.

Agenda Item 3: The Proposed Note for the TUC

The

It was agreed that the Governor's redraft of the department's proposed note for the TUC did not fully meet our requirements. Governor had redrafted the paper in such a way that in referring to the new social and labour programmes no mention was made of HMG's part in the dialogue. It was argued that HMG in general and FCO Ministers in particular would wish to take some credit in the eyes of the TUC for the new programme. It was agreed that Lord Goronwy-Roberts should be consulted over the Governor's redraft of the note. It was also agreed that Hong Kong should be urged to give consideration to the possibility of making statutory provision for minimum wages, hours of work and overtime rates. There were clear and obvious difficulties for Hong Kong over such legislation and its enforcement, but progress on this score would go far to satisfy the TUC. The Turner Study of Labour Relations should also make a useful contribution towards future policy in their field.

5.

Agenda Item 4: Any other Business

(a)

Asia Development Bank Loans

In the discussion the importance was stressed of the Hong Kong Government continuing to have access to ADB loans, if necessary, for financing its social programme. This point should be made clear to the ODM and if agreement could not be reached at official level, the matter should be referred to Lord Goronwy-Roberts.

(b) The Turner Study of Labour Relations

It was stressed that the Turner Study should not be allowed to founder at this stage through any lack of funds. [Professor Turner has since indicated that he is prepared to continue with the study on the financial basis hitherto agreed.]

6. It was agreed that the minutes of the meeting should be submitted to Lord Goronwy-Roberts and be made available to the Governor.

7. The next meeting of the Committee would be held at a date to be agreed in February 1977.

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