§ 44. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further progress has been made with legislation in Hong Kong for the control of working hours.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydConsideration is proceeding in Hong Kong in consultation with my Assistant Labour Adviser.
§ Mr. JayAs in the recent cotton debate there was a demand for legislation by hon. Members on both sides of the House, can the Minister assure us that Hong Kong will press on with this as rapidly as possible?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir.
§ 48. Mr. Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now received the report on working hours in Hong Kong cotton mills which he requested from the Governor nine weeks ago; and if he will make a statement on its contents.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir; but as my Assistant Labour Adviser is at present in Hong Kong discussing this report as well as the proposed Employment Bill, I should prefer to make a comprehensive statement when she has returned.
§ Mr. AllaunI welcome the Colonial Secretary's Answer, but what is to prevent immediate legislation requiring at least one rest day a week for women and girls? Surely that is not too much to ask, when the intolerable hours are causing so much suffering both in Hong Kong and Lancashire?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDetails of proposed legislation are now being worked out. They will then have to be submitted to the Labour Advisory Board. As I told the right hon. Gentleman, that is being pressed on with vigour.