§ 59. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Sec-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware of the extent of feeling in Hong Kong about the lack of local participation in public government; and what plans he has for the reform of local government, particularly with regard to an elected municipal council.
§ Mrs. HartA working party set up to gather information on the possible forms of local government suitable to the circumstances of Hong Kong, has recently completed its work and its reports will be published in the near future.
§ 60. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that labour legislation in Hong Kong falls below that of all other South-East Asian countries, particularly regarding conditions for women and juveniles; and what steps he is taking to promulgate new legislation in this colony.
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§ Mrs. HartAn overall comparison of the labour legislation in the different countries of South-East Asia present many difficulties. Conditions of work for women and young persons are in some respects better and in some other respects less good in Hong Kong than in other countries.
The Hong Kong Government are giving consideration to further legislation on hours of work for women and young persons. I am certainly hopeful of some improvement.