§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether trade unions in Hong Kong are freely permitted to function; how many industrial disputes have taken place during the last 12 months; and whether any trade unions have been suppressed by the local government?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There have been about eight industrial disputes in Hong Kong in the last 12 months. These were of a minor nature, and in each case an amicable settlement was reached through the Secretariat of Chinese Affairs.
No bona fide trade union has been suppressed, but certain guilds and associations which professed to be trade unions have from time to time been declared unlawful under the Societies Ordinance of 1920, mainly on account of terrorist and political activities. The last of such suppressions took place more than 12 months ago.