HC Deb 07 July 1959 vol 608 c1103
23. Mr. Thornton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement, with particular reference to the hours of work of women and young persons, on the operation of the new Factory and Industrial Undertakings Regulations in Hong Kong, which came into effect on 1st January, 1959.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The regulations limit hours of work of women and young persons over 16 in industrial employment to 60 hours a week and provide for a weekly day of rest. Transitional provisions empowered the Commissioner of Labour to extend the maximum to 66 hours during the six months ended 30th June. The number of factories granted this dispensation fell from 159 in January to 35 in April and 24 in May. The latter figure included 9 cotton spinning and 3 cotton weaving mills.