ENG-1963 — Page 81

EMPLOYMENT

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182 large wage claims and 1,573 minor disputes were dealt with by the Labour Department.

The Employment Liaison Office, originally set up in November 1957 to help redundant workers of Service establishments to find alternative employment, ceased to register such personnel, but continued to provide facilities for those already registered but still unemployed. Of a registered total of 6,562 redundant employees, only 225 remained unemployed at the end of the year, most of whom are unable to work because of poor health or old age. Needy registrants receive relief rations from the Social Welfare Depart- ment, or in some cases, a grant from a statutory memorial fund called the Brewin Trust Fund.

LEGISLATION

The Boilers and Pressure Receivers Ordinance No 38 of 1962, which repealed and replaced the Steam Boilers Ordinance (Chapter 56) was brought into operation by proclamation on 1st March 1963, with the exception of provisions relating to pressure vessels and the issuing of certificates of competency, which are to be brought into force at a later date. The Ordinance requires boilers and other pressure equipment (with certain exceptions) to be registered and prescribes frequency of examination and methods of operation and maintenance.

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Amendment) Ordin- ance, 1963, became law-on 6th June and was brought into effect by proclamation on 25th October. This amending legisla- tion permits the Commissioner of Labour to grant provi- sional, rather than full, registration to premises not in an industrial zone or a recognized industrial area and not specifically designed for industrial use. This will depend on whether the use of these premises for industrial purposes can be continued temporarily without endangering the health, safety and welfare of persons working therein, or of the public at large. Over the years the shortage of industrial buildings, and in particular of premises suitable for use by small industrial enterprises, has encouraged the establishment of industry in unregistrable premises. Prosecution would have involved their ultimate closure thereby affecting the livelihood of thousands of workers. Provisional registration will