TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 222

*

DRAFT

THIS STATEMENT HAS

NOT

YET

BEEN APPROVED BY MR. CRYER.

STATEMENT BY MR BOB CRYER MP THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDUSTRY

16

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In the Adjournment debate on 24 July about the problems of the

United Kingdom cutlery industry, the hon Member for Sheffield,

Hillsborough, Mr Martin Flannery MP, referred to the low wages

and poor conditions of service of the cutlery workers in South

Korea. When replying on the subject of the conditions in

Korea, I mistakenly linked these with Hong Kong also. While I

am concerned that the low labour costs in Hong Kong make it

possible for Hong Kong cutlery and other products to be sold

at prices with which British manufacturers find it very diffi-

cult to compete, I accept that this is not in any way the result

of worker exploitation. On the contrary, Her Majesty's Government

appreciates the Hong Kong Government's efforts to improve

social and labour conditions in the Territory and confirms its

support for the continuing programme of reforms aimed at improv-

ing the quality of life for all who live there.

August 1978

MKK-212/5

RECEIVED IN REO SAY NO. 51 15 AUG 1978

DINA OF INDEX

по

PA

что

REGIOTRY Action Ten

1

एह