HC Deb 24 January 1968 vol 757 cc141-3W
Mr. Thornton

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the present and future legally permitted hours of overtime working for women and young persons in Hong Kong industrial undertakings; and how these hours compare with other Asian countries.

Mr. George Thomas

Young persons under the age of 16 years may not work overtime in Hong Kong industrial undertakings, and no change in this position is contemplated.

With the introduction on 1st December, 1967 of a phased programme of reduction from 60 hours to 48 hours in the weekly working hours of women and young persons, the maximum permitted hours of overtime that may be worked by women and young persons who have attained the age of 16 years are being increased from 100 hours per annum, subject to the provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Amendment) Regulation, 1967, as indicated below.

In the context below:

  1. (a)means; when the Commissioner of Labour so permits after being satisfied that the work is subject to seasonal or other special pressure; and
  2. (b)mean; during the first six months of the period, if the Commissioner of Labour has permitted, under the transitional powers

Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration, making a total of 13,134 trusts and estates then under his administration. The following table gives such particulars as are available of the size of the 1,387 estates accepted during the period:

given him by the regulations, longer than normal working hours.

1. From 1st December, 1967 to 30th November, 1968.—An aggregate of 150 hours p.a. (except in case (a) when the maxima are 200 hours p.a.); with not more than 1½: hours in any one day (except in case (b) where not more than 1 hour may be worked in any one day).

2.From 1st December. 1968 to 30th November, 1969.—An aggregate of 200 hours p.a. (except in case (a) where the maxima are 250 hours p.a.); with not more than 2 hours in any one day (except in case (b) when not more than 1½. hours may be worked in any one day).

3.From 1st December, 1969 to 30th November, 1970.—An aggregate of 240 hours p.a. (except in case (a) when the maxima are 290 hours p.a.); with not more than 2 hours in any one day.

4.From 1st December, 1970 to 30th November, 1971.—An aggregate of 270 hours p.a (except in case (a) where the maxima are 320 hours p.a.); with not more than 2 hours in any one day.

5.From 1st December, 1971.—An aggregate of 300 hours p.a. (except in case (a) where the maxima are 350 hours p.a.); with not more than 2 hours in any one day.

The operation and use of the relaxed overtime conditions are being kept under careful review by the Commissioner of Labour and although earlier reductions are not ruled out, it is in any event the intention that after the introduction of the 48 hours working week in 1971, the maximum permitted hours of overtime will be reduced as quickly as possible to an aggregate of 100 hours p.a.

Information is being sought about the hours of overtime permitted in other Asian countries in order that a comparison can be made with Hong Kong. When this is obtained I will write to my hon. Friend.