HC Deb 28 February 1973 vol 851 cc1471-2
1. Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to improve labour conditions in Hong Kong.

The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Lord Balniel)

Labour legislation and enforcement in Hong Kong are primarily matters for the Hong Kong Government and are kept under constant review. Since 1964 no fewer than 83 separate items of legislation have been enacted.

Mr. Sillars

Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that the British Government have a responsibility in respect of labour laws, since Britain is a constituent member of the ILO? Does he further agree that the British Government could make a major contribution if, as a start, they were to implement ILO Conventions Nos. 24, 32, 94 and 98?

Lord Balniel

As I have said, these are matters primarily for the Hong Kong Government, but Her Majesty's Government also have a responsibility. I shall look at the long list of resolutions mentioned by the hon. Gentleman to see if they will be helpful.

Mr. Tilney

Does my hon. Friend agree that, thanks to the actions of the Hong Kong Government and the work of the people of Hong Kong, the improvement in the well-being of the Hong Kong people in recent years has been quite remarkable?

Lord Balniel

That most certainly is the case. Real wages in Hong Kong have risen by 56 per cent. since 1964 and Hong Kong wages are now the highest in Asia, outside Japan.