TNAG-0750-FCO40-954-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-UK-1978 — Page 73

d.

e.

CONFIDENTIAL

(v) Increase subsidies to children from poor families to enable them to pursue their studies beyond basic secondary level (Form 4 and upwards);

(vi) Ensure that adequate places are available in government schools for all who require them (this is in fact part of the present plan but there is some doubt as to whether it can be achieved by 1980);

(vii) Expand the number of places available in technical institutes;

to

viii) Expand the number of places available at tertiary level (perhaps by according recognition, with adequate controls, private establishments such as Baptist College);

(ix) Expand facilities for adult education.

Labour

(Professor Turner's proposals for reforms of the present labour relations practice are expected within the next month or two; it would clearly be premature to make any suggestions until we know what will be in his report.)

Social Welfare

(i)

Implement the findings of the review of workmen's compensation legislation which is at present being undertaken in Hong Kong;

(ii) Introduce measures to improve industrial health and safety;

(iii) Improve the standards of the factories inspectorate, by recruiting people with higher technical qualifications (training facilities in the UK might be offered);

(iv) Starting from the proposals currently under discussion for a semi-voluntary sickness, injury and death benefits scheme, work towards a comprehensive social security scheme encompassing the whole range of benefits for those in need, including further provision for disability and old age, sickness and unemployment;

(v) Expand social welfare services, particularly for the old and the handicapped.

Fiscal Reform

f.

(i)

Review the present tax system with the aim of using it to ensure a better distribution of wealth within Hong Kong;

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CONFIDENTI AL