ENG-1955 — Page 64

36

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

supplied. All plans for new factory buildings must include provision for dining or rest rooms. Some employers go further than this, however, by providing additional benefits such as free medical attention for workers and their families, free quarters or, more usually, dormitory accommodation, and subsidized meals or canteens run on a non-profit-making basis. Smaller concerns often cannot afford such measures, but it is worth mentioning that normally even in the smallest factory a constant supply of tea or boiled water is available.

Outside the place of employment, picnic excursions, and stage and cinema shows are often provided. Some employers arrange for free or subsidized schooling for workers' children and free classes for adult workers. Larger establishments have provided sports grounds or swimming pools.

Workmen's Compensation. The Workmen's Compensa- tion Ordinance, which came into force in December 1953, lays down minimum rates of compensation payable to work- men for injuries received in the course of their work. The Ordinance has been amended subsequently, so as to cover certain civilian employees of the Armed Services and work- men in government establishments. Under it, the Commis- sioner of Labour is now empowered to approve compensation payments in all cases of permanent and temporary disable- ment in which agreement has been reached by the parties. Fatal cases, and cases in which no agreement can be reached, are dealt with by the courts. The Labour Department advises employers and workmen on all matters arising out of the Ordinance.

During the year 85 cases of fatal accidents, and 2,974 cases of non-fatal accidents, were dealt with, a total of $813,907.62 being paid as compensation.

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING

Craft apprenticeship within the Government service is provided by the Kowloon-Canton Railway, the Public Works Department in its electrical, mechanical and water- works branches, the Stores Department in its workshops, and by the Printing Department. Vocational training classes for coxswains and engineers are operated by the Marine