§ 51. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance is given to encourage and develop the trade union movement in Hong Kong.
§ Mr. ProfumoTwo officers of the Labour Department are wholly occupied on trade union matters, and guidance on the day-to-day problems of organisation and management is always available. Educational courses for trade union officials are arranged by the Labour Department from time to time, and trade unionism is included in the syllabus of civics courses run by the Education Department.
§ Mr. RankinIs not the Minister aware that nothing effective is really being done in forming a sound trade union movement in Hong Kong, and, because of that, the wage rates are far too low and the hours of labour are far too long? Why should he leave the field to two unions dominated by political parties of opposing concepts, which fact was the cause of the trouble last October and will be the cause of trouble in the future?
§ Mr. ProfumoEverything possible is being done, but, as the hon. Gentleman stated, the difficulties are formidable.
§ Mr. PeytonIs my hon. Friend aware that if these proposals were to have the result of higher wages, better working conditions and shorter hours in Hong Kong, it would at least be highly acceptable to the home gloving industry, which would benefit considerably by not having to face a flood of extraordinarily cheap goods?