TNAG-0646-FCO40-794-Application-of-international-labour-conventions-to-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 67

CONVENTION 17: WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION (ACCIDENTS)

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Present declaration

Applied with modifications

Declaration proposed Applied without modifications Legislative action needed: amendment of the Workmen's Compensation

Ordinance to require employers to meet the cost of replacement of prostheses and surgical appliances and the cost of medical care.

The amendment was initially scheduled for the third quarter of 1977 (Roberts letter of 4 January 1977 to Stewart, Appendix II, item (2), and Annex I to the Brief on General Labour Matters dated March 1977). It was found to be a more complex matter than previously thought, however, and it is now hoped that the legislation will be passed "by about November" (the Governor's letter of 4 May

(28) to Lord Goronwy-Roberts, para. 5(a)).

(3)

Ho's letter to Stewart of 23 May confirmed that drafting of the legislation was under way and expressed confidence that the revised time-table on this item would be maintained. See also Mr Hurst's minute of 2 June in the same sense.

The Social Services Branch progress report for the quarter May-July indicates that it is aimed to complete the drafting during the quarter August-October.

CONVENTION 42: WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION (OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES)

Applied without modifications

Present declaration Applied with modifications Declaration proposed Legislative action needed:

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addition of silicosis and asbestosis to the occupational diseases listed in the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance and creation of an insurance pool for compensation of silicosis cases.

Robert's letter of 4 January indicated only that action would be taken during 1977. The Brief on General Labour Matters, Annex 1, Item 9, scheduled the legislation for the third quarter but the Governor's letter of 4 May reported that the Government had run into difficulties; the Governor hoped the legislation would go through by the end of the year but he could not be absolutely sure.

According to the SSB report for May-July a first draft of the amending legislation was discussed on 27 June and it is aimed to

complete the drafting in time for introduction of a bill Legco during the last quarter of the year.

CONVENTION 90: NIGHT WORK OF YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY)

Present declaration - Decision reserved

Declaration proposed Applied with modifications.

Legislative action needed: amendment of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance to include airports in the definition of "industrial

/undertaking".