CONFIDENTIAL
4.
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As a general point, we told Mr Heppell that developments in Hong Kong's social security schemes had to be capable of presentation in a good light in the UK. At present there was far too much emphasis on measures to prevent abuse, particularly by means of residence qualifications.
5. We told Mr Heppell of the interest that the International Committee of the TUC takes in labour and social conditions in Hong Kong and also gave him a copy of the Confidential Note sent to the TUC on 14 December 1976 about the Hong Kong Government's plans. In doing so we drew attention to the Governor's remarks in his statement to the Legislative Council that the Hong Kong Government's target was to achieve a level of legislation in labour and other fields at least broadly equivalent to the best in neighbouring countries whose stage of economic develop- ment and social and cultural background was similar to Hong Kong's. This meant, inter alia that, as explained in the Note for the TUC, the Hong Kong Government was to give consideration during the period between now and 1981 to statutory provisions for a minimum wage (or wages) for low paid occupations, hours of work and overtime and over- time rates. We hoped that the new Commissioner for Labour, Mr Peter Williams, would soon start to consider these points.
6.
Mr Heppell said that he would bear in mind what we had told him. He would not let the terms of reference for the review restrict him from pursuing worthwhile lines of enquiry. It was agreed that while Mr Heppell would not conceal that he had seen us, his first duty would be to the Hong Kong Government and that his credibility would be under- mined locally if it were thought that he was being guided by FCO briefing. Mr Heppell leaves for Hong Kong on 19 April and will spend about six months there, though during this time he will go to Riyadh for about a month to advise the Saudi Arabian Government. Mr Heppell will come and see us again after his assignment in Hong Kong.
7. The above has been cleared in draft with the OLA's office. Since it was written we have received Mr Heppell's helpful letter of 17 March to Mr Stewart, a copy of which has been sent to the OLA.
25 March 1977
D. F. Milton
D F Milton
Hong Kong Department
cc: OLA
CONFIDENTIAL
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