§ 44. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what types of labour and what industries will be covered by the Employment Bill now being prepared by the Hong Kong Government; and how soon he anticipates this legislation will enter into force.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Employment Bill may cover a wide field and will certainly be a complicated measure. Its contents are still to be worked out in Hong Kong, and the Labour Advisory Board will have to be consulted before final drafting instructions are given. I cannot therefore say at this stage what detailed provisions it will contain or when it will be introduced; but the Hong Kong Government are proceeding with the preparation of the Bill as a matter of priority.
§ Mr. JayIs the Minister aware that the President of the Board of Trade has constantly said that this matter is the responsibility of the Colonial Secretary? Would he agree that an improvement in the deplorable labour conditions in Hong Kong is in the interests both of people in Hong Kong and people in Lancashire? Would the hon. Gentleman show a sense of urgency about all this?
§ Mr. ProfumoAs I have said before, it would be wrong to describe the general conditions as deplorable. There are 604 aspects, notably wages, which are being looked at by the Government of Hong Kong, and all those who hold dear the interests of Hong Kong would do well to await the recommendations by the Governor.
§ Mr. JayWould the hon. Gentleman deny that working hours in many cases are disgraceful, and that at present there is very little legal limit on them at all?
§ Mr. ProfumoThis is one of the matters which will be considered when legislation is being prepared.