Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1955-1956 — Page 27

CHAPTER XIII

INDUSTRIAL AND SEAMEN'S WELFARE

69. Industrial welfare is primarily the concern of the Labour Department, and the Social Welfare Office does not to any great extent take part in this work. For details concerning industrial welfare the reports of the Labour Department should be consulted.

70. However, additional work in this field of welfare devolved upon the Social Welfare Office when, in August 1954, the District Courts by administrative arrangement sought the advice of the Social Welfare Office in determining in each case of a fatal industrial accident whether compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance 1953 should-in the best interests of the dependants of the deceased-be paid to them in a lump sum or by instalments. During the year under review the Special Welfare Services Section investigated the family circumstances of seventy workmen who died as the result of industrial or occupational accidents. Seventeen lump sum pay- ments were awarded by the District Courts. Each case investigated had on an average 3 dependants, who were mainly domiciled in Hong Kong. Those who lived in China either came out to collect their compensation, or received it by remittance when the Courts had been satisfied of their eligibility.

71. A number of business firms and industries have wel- fare facilities, such as clinics or canteens, and plans for new factory premises must now provide for dining or rest room accommodation in all cases where it is reasonably possible. Several voluntary organizations also cater for the welfare of industrial workers by providing hostels and playgrounds. The Salvation Army's Thomson Memorial Boys' Hostel houses 56 apprentices, and the Y.W.C.A. runs two hostels for factory girls.

72. The Port Welfare Committee is charged with the task of supervising and co-ordinating, on behalf of Government, welfare arrangements for all visiting seamen, and allocating any grants which Government may make available or which the

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