ENG-1957 — Page 74

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

of bodily injury to persons employed in connexion with them. Control was sought by prohibiting the use of such processes without the permission of the Commissioner of Labour, and by specifying the steps to be taken by employers for the protection of their employees.

The Radiation Ordinance, 1957, which is also described at page 223 of Chapter 12, came into force on 6th September. Apart from providing for general control over the increasing use of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus in industrial and medical processes, the Ordinance established a Radiation Board with powers of granting and cancelling licences and of imposing conditions on licences. The Com- missioner of Labour is an ex-officio member of the Board.

The Trade Unions (Registration) (Amendment) Rules, 1957, were made by the Governor in Council on 26th March to make it an offence to make false statements or entries upon forms prescribed under the Trade Union (Registration) Rules. Previously a person could submit untrue particulars to the Registrar of Trade Unions with impunity.

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During the year progress was made with the following legislation Trade Unions Registration Bill; Trade Dis- putes Bill; Apprenticeship Bill; Air Pollution Restriction Bill; Boilers and Pressure Receivers Bill; Mining (Amend- ment) Bill; Workmen's, Compensation (Amendment) Bill; Employment Bill.

SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE

Factory Registration and Inspection. Factory registration and inspection is undertaken by the Labour Department to ensure proper standards of industrial health and safety. During the year 534 applications for registration were received and 331 registration certificates were issued; 9 were refused, the premises being closed down; and 61 applications for registration were withdrawn. 134 factories found operat- ing in unsuitable buildings were closed down, and 196 registration certificates were surrendered for cancellation, the