§ 25. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position in Hong Kong with regard to workmen's compensation; when the ordinance in connection with it will be promulgated; and what consultations on the subject have taken place with the local trade unions.
§ Mr. CookA draft Workmen's Compensation Bill is at present being examined by the Labour Advisory Board and it is hoped that the Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council before the end of this year. The vice-chairman and past chairman respectively of the two largest local trade unions are members of the Labour Advisory Board.
§ Mr. WyattWill my hon. Friend make quite certain that this Bill is introduced speedily because this matter was first discussed before the war? Britain will not be regarded as a very good rival to Chinese Communism if it takes over 10 years to get through a simple Bill on workmen's compensation?
§ Mr. CookWe are trying to speed this up, but we have to try to understand the local difficulties and immaturity of trade unionism.
§ Mr. W. FletcherWill the hon. Gentleman make certain that the penetration of Communism into the unions does not assume dangerous proportions?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesPending the passage of this Bill, can the Minister say what is being done for injured persons? Are they without rights?
§ Mr. CookI should like to see that on the Paper. I would add that they are being protected at the moment.