HC Deb 14 February 1967 vol 741 cc320-1
15. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the approximate hourly wage rate for workers in the light electrical assembly industry in Hong Kong in comparison with the rate for British workers engaged in similar work; and what are the numbers employed in this industry in Hong Kong.

Mrs. Hart

I am afraid that the information needed to make an exact comparison between Hong Kong and United Kingdom workers engaged in similar work is not available.

There are 30,186 men and women employed in Hong Kong in the manufacture of electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances.

I am writing to my hon. Friend with those further details which are available.

Mr. Allaun

Is my hon. Friend aware that a Salford firm and its 6,000 workers are seriously hit by this sweated labour? Would she give an assurance that she will look closely into what can be done to help to raise the scandalously low wages in Hong Kong by trade union, legislative or other action?

Mrs. Hart

I sympathise very much with my hon. Friend's concern in so far as it relates to labour conditions in Hong Kong. The rest is for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. I shall soon be discussing this aspect of the problem with trade union representatives here.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

Is the hon. Lady aware that the argument implied in this Question is dangerously tendentious, for the United Kingdom is now a low wage cost country to at least seven or eight of our major industrial competitors?

Mrs. Hart

Questions relating to competition between Hong Kong industry and our own are for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Orme

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us on this side of the House will be highly delighted that she is to discuss this matter with trade union representatives in this country? Would she say what consultations she has had with the International Confederation of Trade Unions and the I.L.O. about low wage rates in Hong Kong?

Mrs. Hart

I have not had any consultations with either, but I have been looking very closely at the I.L.O. regulations.

Forward to