1
Brief No 2
MONDAY, 2 OCTOBER
DINNER WITH COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (MR JN HENDERSON)
a.
Professor Turner's Report
All discussion of industrial relations in Hong Kong has recently been suspended whilst we await Professor Turner's final report on labour conditions in Hong Kong. His interim report appeared in January 1977. Although very much a preliminary study it indicated two specific areas where Professor Turner felt action was needed; minimum wage and improved communication at the shop
floor level. After delays caused by illness and the demands of his other commitments Professor Turner now
hopes to be able to visit Hong Kong in November/December and submit a final report early next year. Lord Goronwy- koberts has written to the Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University supporting frofessor Turner's request to be allowed to take special leave for this purpose.
b. Child Labour
This is an emotive issue over which Hong Kong has received considerable criticism. kecent developments, a tightening up of factory inspections, an increase in penalties, the extension of the prohibition of child labour to non-industrial undertakings and the introduction of compulsory and free education up to the age of 15, are already beginning to reduce the incidence of this problem. The Labour Department, in parallel with the Education Department, will need to maintain and extend their present system of spot checks on places of work to further
.diminish the use of child labour. You might ask what
firm plans they have to achieve this.
C.
The Labour Market
According to the latest annual report of the Hong
/Kong
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.