§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further discus-
166Wwhat government organisation is established in Hong Kong for dealing with disputes between employers and work-people; how many government representatives are involved in conciliation work; and how many disputes were reported in each of the past six years.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleThe Labour Relations Service of the Labour Department deals with labour disputes in Hong Kong which possesses a working population of 1.5 million. It has an establishment of one senior labour officer, five labour officers and 17 assistant labour officers. All these officers handle labour disputes and conciliation.
The number of major disputes, minor wages claims, strikes and man-days lost in the past six years are as follows:
sions he has had with charitable organisations with reference to the effect of value added tax on their activities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HigginsSome of the larger charities and also the Churches Main Committee and the National Council of Social Service have had useful discussions with the Customs and Excise Department. Some further discussions are planned. A report on all discussions and on other representations will be made to me in good time before the introduction of value added tax next year.