TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 197

From the

HKK 212/5

RECENLO IN REG.SEY NO. 51 2 3 NOV 1978

HKG D

for

advice

pise.

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

ASHDOWN HOUSE

123 VICTORIA STREET

LONDON SWIE 6RB

TELEPHONE DIRECT LINE

29

jjaza

01-212 0002

SWITCHBOARD 01-212 7676

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

MR BOB CRYER MP

VIA B

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY

•ction Ten

so

Али

The Rt Hon The Lord Goronwy-Roberts Foreign and Commonwealth Office

LONDON SW1A 2AH

Dear

foronwy

12

2 November 1978

Thank you for your letter of 3 August about my statement on Hong Kong workers towards the end of the adjournment debate on the cutlery industry on 24 July.

I am sorry for the delay in replying but I have been giving the matter deep consideration. I am afraid I cannot agree with your view that my statement that workers in Hong Kong are exploited was unjustified. I note for example that Hong Kong does not appear to have comprehensive legislative provisions entitling an injured worker to medical aid, or making the employer responsible for its cost. There also appear to be no proposals to introduce a compre- hensive social security scheme with the resultant lack of provision for sickness, old age and unemployment. Options do vary on the adequacy of the provisions made for workers in Hong Kong and I attach a copy of a letter I received recently and which I have undertaken to forward to you as an illustration of this.

You will of course realise that Hong Kong is a subject which arouses strong feelings in this country in such industries as cutlery and textiles. To the extent that working conditions in Hong Kong are detrimental to the workers there and thus also indirectly undermine British industry through cheap imports I do not believe their position can or should be defended.

Cours

Sob

BOB CRYER

sincerely, Cage

Ат черве

Minister

Must have been

Mr Cryer's last act resignation!

ᄉ.

before