APPLICATION OF LABOUR ORDINANCE TO DOMESTIC SERVANTS

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Labour whether Government will consider applying the Labour Ordinance to domestic servants.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Wee Toon Boon) (for the Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am asked to reply. This matter has been receiving attention for a considerable time in view of the need to be sure that no unrealistic or impracticable measures are introduced whose immediate effect would be to deprive thousands of these workers of their livelihood and thereby further aggravate the present unemployment situation.

Mr David Marshall: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I understand the circumlocution, there is no intention of applying the Ordinance to domestic servants. But would the Par liamentary Secretary consider at least issuing regulations for guidance of good employer relations in respect of domestic servants so that the employers may have a model with which to apply.

The Prime Minister: Come, come, Mr Marshall.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, in that respect, the Member for Anson can rest assured that though employers arc not obliged to give certain benefits to the employees under this Ordinance, but nevertheless when domestic employees are aggrieved because they are not given sufficient notice of termination of their service or -

The Prime Minister: Or otherwise maltreated.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: - maltreated they always consult and seek the assistance of the Labour Ministry. We have always assisted them in getting sufficient compensation or adequate notice of termination of their service.

Mr David Marshall: I had in mind rather the question of whether the Government would assist employers to recognise the limitation of hours and conditions of work, and if it does not wish to apply the provisions whether it would issue some regulations for guidance.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, domestic servants are different from factory workers. Therefore, it has to be left to the conscience of the employers to impose fair working conditions on their domestic servants. I hope that the Member for Anson will set the example.