TNAG-0648-FCO40-796-Study-of-labour-relations-in-Hong-Kong-by-Professor-H-A-Turn-1977 — Page 49

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SPEAKING NOTES

A background paper on developments in Hong Kong during the last year has been circulated with the agenda. This indicates that progress has been made on matters which I know are of continuing interest in this country. We can return to this paper later if members so desire. But I expect that interest today centres on Professor Turner's interim report on the trade union and industrial relations situation in Hong Kong and if members agree we shall concentrate on that. A covering paper on Professor Turner's report has also been circulated by our Secretary which summarises the main recommendations and suggests several matters which members might feel require further consideration or elucidation by Professor Turner. The meeting today is in fact opportune since it gives us the chance of saying what further information we should ask Professor Turner to provide in the final phase of his review. I will ask a representative of the TUC to open our discussion and then I hope a CBI representative will tell us of the CBI's reactions to this report.

[The Head of Hong Kong & General Department, Mr Stewart, be in attendance for this item.

Background

will

The points set out in paragraph 6 of the covering memorandum OLCC (1977) 1A take into account what we know of the TUC's initial reactions to the interim review. But the TUC may revert to its argument (heard before Professor Turner was engaged to make this study) that the TUC (and the CBI) should nominate a representative to examine the situation on the ground as part of the study group. On the Governor's advice this request was rejected by Mr Callaghan in December 1975 when he met members of the TUC's International

Mr Crosland Committee (including Mr Murray and Mr Jones). subsequently confirmed this decision in a letter to Mr Murray

The Governor's firm (copies of the correspondence are attached). conviction has always been that if this enquiry is to be successful it should be a low-key, academic study, carried out in collaboration

The Governor has been consulted with the University of Hong Kong.

again about the possibility of the TUC reverting to this argument

/and