Hong Kong

HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 cc5-6W

32. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why a special postage stamp has been printed in Hong Kong to celebrate Human Rights Year.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

This issue was made in response to a general request from the United Nations. Eighty-five other countries also responded.

35. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the average daily and weekly hours of work for women and young persons in Government industry in Hong Kong during the first full year of a 57 hours' week.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

All staff in Government industry in Hong Kong work an average week of 48 hours "outdoors" or 44 hours "indoors", a daily average of eight hours for outdoor staff and less for indoor staff.

76. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that prisoners convicted and persons detained following the 1967 disturbances in Hong Kong, recently visited by the hon. Member for Richmond, Surrey, had no complaints about their conditions of imprisonment; if he is satisfied that the prisoners are working daily in the prison workshops and that the four detainees are allowed regular visits from their families, and periods of exercise; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I am sure that hon. Members will be glad to have this first-hand information. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the conditions under which these persons are confined give no grounds for serious criticism. The prisoners go about their daily tasks, whether in the prison workshops or elsewhere; they are allowed all normal privileges such as regular visits from relatives and friends, access to the prison library and to send and receive letters. The four detainees are allowed regular visits from their families and periods of exercise; visitors may bring them clothing, reading matter, cigarettes and fruit. Although they are not required to do any work, detainees receive the same prison diet as working prisoners, as well as certain supplements. They can also send and receive an unlimited quantity of mail.