TNAG-0873-FCO40-1083-Employment-of-children-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 164

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Written AnsWCLS

21 MARCH 1979

by the Hong Kong Government finally to eliminate all forms of child labour; and if he is satisfied with the progress of the Hong Kong Government to date.

Mr. Luard: My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the Hong Kong Govern- ment are making determined efforts to deal with this problem. Legislation is being prepared to extend the present pro- hibition on the employment of children in industrial undertakings to include the non-industrial sectors. The minimum age for full-time employment will be raised from 14 to 15. The Hong Kong labour inspectorate is being substantially expanded to enforce this new legislation.

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Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will instruct the Hong Kong Gov- ernment to introduce a statutory mini- mum fine at a high level for firms con- victed of employing child labour.

Mr. Luard: No. It is important that magistrates should be free to adjust the fine to suit the circumstances of each case. The maximum penalty for the illegal employment of children in indus- trial undertakings was raised from HK$5,000 to HK$10,000 in 1977 and the average fine has risen fourfold since 1974,

Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals has he received from the Trades Union Congress on individual trades unions concerning the abuse of child labour in Hong Kong; and if he will comment on such proposals.

Mr. Luard: No such proposals have been received.

Central Treaty Organisation

Mr. Biggs-Davison asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now make a state- ment on the future of the Central Treaty Organisation.

Mr. Judd Following the withdrawal of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey from CENTO, Her Majesty's Government are reviewing the situation. Clearly CENTO is not effectively in operation. We believe it is for the regional members of the Alliance to decide how best to safeguard their security interests. The British Gov-

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Written Answers

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WRITT

ernment warmly reciprocate the wish ex- pressed by the regional members to see friendly relations continue between us. Their interest in continuing to co-operate with each other in a regional context has our full backing.

Rhodesia

Mr. Blaker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in deciding his policy not to send observ- ers to the forthcoming elections in Rho- desia, what information he has obtained from Her Majesty's Government's mis- sions in other African States regarding the extent to which free elections have been held in them in the past 10 years (a) with and (b) without an electoral register; and which African States have not held free elections in that period.

Mr. Rowlands: We are not respon- sible for independent countries in Africa. In granting independence to our former African colonies we have always trans- ferred power to a Government represen- tative of the people. In Rhodesia we stand by the fifth principle, endorsed by successive British Governments that inde- pendence should be granted to Rhodesia following a settlement acceptable to the people of Rhodesia as a whole.

/Mr. Biggs-Davison asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of Anglo-Ameri- can policy regarding United Nations- supervised elections in Rhodesia. Her Majesty's Government will consider seek- ing United Nations, Commonwealth or other international supervision for the one man one vote and one woman one vote elections shortly to be held and, in the event of their being satisfactory conducted recommend acceptance of the result in dis- charge of the fifth principle and as the basis of a democratic Zimbabwe merit- ing international recognition; and if he will give his reasons for his decision.

Mr. Rowlands: International super- vision of elections is not practicable when the basis on which the elections are to be held has not been the subject of negotiation and acceptance internationally. We have called on all the parties to accept the principle of United Nations-supervised elections, and to agree to negotiate the conditions for holding such elections.

CIVIL

Government (Prestel/Vie

Mr. Warren ask the Civil Service w taken to date to in ment by Her Majs introduce the Pres into service in Gove

Mr. Charles R. M vice Department i formed of the develd Viewdata system w aging Departments as opportunities an to efficiency and ec their functions. A ments have been tak trials and the View tral Office of Inform ing them and co-o ties.

European Ass

Mr. Arthur Lew for the Civil Servic that the election to bly is not directly o with British admini servants and other be allowed comple pate in all activiti these elections.

Mr. Charles R. vities connected wi embly elections wil Civil Service rules other activities whi tics at the nationa

Pay (Ci

Alr. Radice aske Civil Service if he

about the progres: with the civil serva

Mr. Charles R. i cessing of the pay ahead with all pos hon, and noble F Seal and I have inv us on Monday to h tiations.

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