TNAG-0644-FCO40-792-Employment-of-children-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 40

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Mr Murray

Parliamentary Unit

HONG KONG: PQ BY MR RON LEWIS: CHILD LABOUR

1.

REY

30 MAY 1977

#kk 21571

Mr Ron Lewis MP (Labour Carlisle) has put down a Written Question to ask the Secretary of State if he will take steps to increase the maximum fine for the illegal employment of children aged under 14 years in industry in Hong Kong.

2.

Mr Lewis, who is the Secretary of the Anglo/Hong Kong Parliamentary Group, asked five Questions on Hong Kong in 1976 and one, on the subject of medical services, on 28 February this year. He is one of the principal co-sponsors of

Sir Paul Bryan's Early Day Motion on Social Progress in Hong Kong.

3. The Hong Kong Government have recently obtained the Legislative Council's approval to an amendment to the Industrial Undertakings Regulations to increase the maximum fine for the illegal employment of children under 14 years of age to HK$10,000 (about £1,250). Mr Lewis would appear to be aware of this change and to want it on record in Parliament.

4.

I submit a draft reply, which has been cleared with the Hong Kong Government (Hong Kong telegram no. 529 of 25 May). 49 The OLA concurs.

0.ß.

Steeent

25 May 1977

Cc:

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

Mr Cortazzi OLA

JA B Stewart

Hong Kong & General Department

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