TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 230

CONFIDENTIAL

HKK 22/5

થડ

RECEIVED IN REGIVARY NO. 51

4 AUG 1978

-

DRAK C:

INDEX

R.J. Smatta

and Ang letter to

Che

Mr Stratton

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

HONG KONG SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Tel and

318

attatched

8

B

1. In a debate on the cutlery industry in the House of Commons on 24 July Mr Cryer, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department of Industry said "It is hardly fair competiton for British workers, who have had this element of protection [the Employment Protection Act】 introduced by the Labour Government, when people in such countries as Korea and Hong Kong are grossly exploited, although that would not be true of, for example, Japan".

2. This statement has been picked up by the Hong Kong Government Office in London, who have passed it to the Hong Kong Government. In his telegram No 945 of 31 July, the Acting Governor of Hong Kong asked for advice on how to reply to questions as to whether Mr Cryer's remarks reflect the views of H M Government. There is already some fear in Hong Kong that the UK will adopt a more protectionist attitude towards imports of Hong Kong cutlery. A statement such as that made by Mr Cryer could well reinforce

these fears.

3. The statement is particularly unfortunate when Ministers have been at pains to point out the very considerable improvement in social and labour conditions in Hong Kong. We have spoken to Mr Cryer's Private Secretary who confirmed that his remarks were deliberatley intended, and not just off the cuff: they reflect a genuine belief that Hong Kong workers are "grossly exploited". His Private Secretary believes that he would be happy to issue a retraction of his remarks if we can convince him that they were

incorrect.

4. In view of this I recommend that Lord Goronwy-Roberts should write to Mr Cryer (draft attached) to correct his misunderstanding of the position, and that in the meantime a reply should be sent

to Hong Kong on the lines of the attached draft telegram.

1 August 1978

W.E. Chantill

W E Quantrill

Hong Kong and General Department

Goronwy Roberts"

CONFIDENTIAL