TNAG-0735-FCO40-939-Policy-objective-for-the-developing-of-Hong-Kong-in-the-1980-1978 — Page 49

- 5-

them to take advantage of such opportunities. Also, through its mobile

exhibition unit, the Youth Employment Advisory Service has sought to

publicise occupations suitable for people with the various levels of

educational attainment.

I was grateful for ir. Newbigging's remarks on the vital role

that labour relations play in the progress and prosperity of this

community. I endorse the need for vigilance in this field. For my part

I would hope to extend and improve the scope of our conciliation scrvices;

and I am very conscious of the need to maintain their quality, and impartiality.

Finally, I welcome the comments of Mr. Allen Lee and

Mr. Andrew So on the progress of labour legislation. Mr. Lee thinks we

have rushed through too much labour legislation too quickly, and I would

certainly admit to the occasional stumble in this respect, and as you,

Sir, stressed there is the need for administrative consolidation in the

Department. But I would not admit to a "deaf ear".

Industrialists can

and do make themselves heard, they would very soon supply me with the

latest electronic hearing aid, if it were otherwise.

Indeed on the whole

I think employers in Hong Kong do themselves a considerable injustice.

The substantial labour legislation passed in recent years has largely

been with their support and understanding after consultation and then

consideration in the Labour Advisory Board. They should be proud of,

rather than carping about, their record in this respect.

by legislation.

Mr. So, on the other hand, urges further benefits for employees

He rightly counsels however that this should be pursued

taking into account the particular set of circumstances of Hong Kong. I

think therefore that while the three of us might give differing emphasis

/to the