TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 202

CONFIDENTIAL

Commercial Relations and Exports 4/2 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE

1 Victoria Street London SW1H OET

Telex 8811074/5 DTIHQ G

Telegrams Advantage London SW1

Telephone Direct Line 01-216 5076

Switchboard

PRA

01-215 7877

Your referenco CON/EPH

D M March Esq

Senior British Trade Commissioner

Hong Kong

Our reference CRE 50419

Date

HKIK 212/5

RECEIVED IN REGSTAY NO. 51 - 9 OCT 1978

October 1978

(26

Year

Sean Serik,

LABOUR CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG

DESK OFFICE INDEX

REGISTRY

ΤΑ

Action

en

Further to my letter of 14 September we have again spoken to the FCO on the question of Mr Cryer's remarks in the House on 24 July.

Despite the fact that the letter from the Chinese Manufacturers Association was published in The Times recently there has been no reaction in the UK and nothing further has been reported from Hong Kong. The FCO feel that with the answer given in Legco, HMG's position was made clear and HMG will not be taking any further action on the matter.

For your own information, we understand that Mr Cryer has declined to retract his statement. Under the circumstances Lord Goronwy-Roberts has decided that for him to comment might cause rather unnecessary focus to be drawn to the matter. We can only hope that this proves to be the case in Hong Kong and I would be grateful if you could keep me informed of developments.

Your suceday

Mamul

MC Gingell (Mrs)

cc M J Thompson HKGD, FCO

C2591

CONFIDENTIAL