§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent there is provision in Hong Kong for insurance of workers against unemployment and sickness.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThere is no compulsory insurance against unemployment or sickness, but the Hong Kong Government, the Armed Services, public utilities and many well-established commercial concerns provide free medical facilities and grant paid sick leave. Free100W or subsidised medical attention for families is also provided by many major employers. Trade unions also grant benefits to their workers in cases of sickness, death and unemployment, and many operate clinics and other welfare facilities. The Social Welfare Department of the Government and the many voluntary welfare organisations also play a substantial part in relieving cases of hardship.
With regard to unemployment, Government employees receive pensions or gratuities if their services are terminated because of redundancy or reorganisation, and most major employers grant gratuities in similar circumstances. Even in smaller concerns some ex-gratia payment is normally negotiated when discharges result from redundancy.