been derived from official or business circles or both. He would like to see an indication that the unions have been asked how they see their functions and how they think their functions should develop. Nor does the report indicate whether the results of the two sample surveys are to be published in Hong Kong and whether comment on them will be sought there. Hargreaves interprets the answer to Question 20 on page xxvii of Appendix C as a specific indication that the Hong Kong trade unions would have an institutional role to play in developing educational, housing and medical services on a general front, and perhaps sick pay schemes and pension schemes on an industrial front. Whatever their feelings may be in relation to the normal functions of collective bargaining etc. I too would like to see a broader institutional role for Hong Kong trade unions in planning an extension in social services through representation on various advisory bodies.
I should add that Hargreaves fully realises the difficulties of making contact with the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions but hopes you might be encouraged to make some further approaches to the Hong Kong FTU unions, at least to discuss the situation and their role in it.
In brief, I interpret Hargreaves' attitude as the need to explore every possible avenue for giving the trade unions some role which they can be seen to be playing as an aid to improving their status and increasing their membership.
In the event, the TUC representatives at the OLCC meeting failed to develop these considerations. Jack Jones referred to their original desire to attach a trade unionist to your team, presumably with a view to facilitating contacts with the trade unions. However, at the meeting he concentrated on the need to go ahead this year on establish- ing a legal minimum wage and accepted that there would be difficulties in enforcing it. He also emphasised the TUC's wish to discuss with you the matters they want to be covered in the final phase of your enquiries. On this point, I understand you intend to visit the UK, possibly in July, and this being so we consider the opportunity must be taken to arrange a meeting with TUC and CBI representatives. We shall be sending you a copy of the minutes of the OLCC meeting which I interpret as a firm commitment that the TUC and CBI will have a chance to meet you in London before you return to Hong Kong in August. I hope this will not raise any difficulties for you. John Stewart has already sent a telegram to the Governor and you may therefore know of this development which we think must be satisfied. A meeting in London is preferable to TUC representation in your study team!
Journey, Hary
HRG Hurst
Overseas Labour Adviser
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