TNAG-0937-FCO40-1156-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-th-1980 — Page 193

- 5 -

Labour Disputes in the Public Service

15. The MPs suggested that there was inadequate consultation between

management and staff within the civil service over salaries and terms

of service. In fact, there is an elaborate mechanism for such consult-

ation. A new Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and

Conditions of Service was set up in January 1979, which conducts regular

consultations with staff side representatives on all aspects of civil

service pay and conditions of service. On 22 October, the Commission

published its second report, laying down the basis for civil service

alaries in all grades. A number of staff associations expressed dis- satisfaction with the report and a few of them took industrial action.

Most of those involved however have now agreed to submit their complaints

to the Standing Commission, and all but a very small number are now

working normally.

Sponsored MPs Visits

16. The Hong Kong Government have a regular programme for sponsoring visits by MPs to Hong Kong. Participants in the programme are chosen in consultation with the Chairman of the Anglo-Hong Kong Parliamentary Group.

The purpose of the visits is to increase understanding of Hong Kong. Great care is taken to ensure that the visitors see not only something of Hong Kong's achievements but also the problems that remain to be

Healt with and the way in which they are being tackled. Time is set

aside for any members of the Hong Kong public to see the MPs and to dis- cuss with them any problems, grievances or other matters that they may wish to bring to the visitor's attention. This programme has been dis- missed by critics of the Hong Kong Government as a propaganda exercise, and a number of pressure groups in the territory have organised a 'Fund for Justice' to finance visits by MPs independently of the Hong Kong Government. It was under the auspices of the Fund that Mr Canavan visited Hong Kong.

Future of Hong Kong

17. At the time of the MPs visits, publicity was being given to the suggestion that, when the Chinese Prime Minister visited London in

October, the opportunity should be taken to discuss Hong Kong's future. The Chinese Government however have publicly taken the line that it is still too soon to consider Hong Kong's future in any detail.

This was

/clearly