1
CONFIDENTIAL
LOCALISATION IN STAFF GRADE C POSTS AND ABOVE IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CLASS AND IN POSTS OF EQUIVALENT RANK IN THE REST
OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
IN JULY 1975, 25.5% (82 OFFICERS) OF OFFICERS OF STAFF GRADE C AND ABOVE AND EQUIVALENT RANKS IN DEPARTMENTAL GRADES WERE LOCAL RECRUITS. THIS COMPARED WITH 19% (34 OFFICERS) IN 1965 AND WITH 19% (62 OFFICERS) IN 1970.
577 (B) THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED IN APRIL 1974 AT A TIME OF RAPIDLY RISING PRICES FOR IMPORTED GOODS AND ALLEGATIONS OF PROFITEERING IN ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES. IT INITIALLY CONCENTRATED ON RECEIVING AND INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC AND ON PRODUCING STUDIES OF THE TRADE IN PARTICULAR COMMODITIES. ALTHOUGH THE COUNCIL HAS NO STATUTORY BACKING ITS ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN
WELCOMED BY THE PUBLIC.
?
SINCE THAT TIME INFLATION HAS LEVELLED OFF IN HONG KONG AND THE COUNCIL'S TERMS OF REFERENCE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE
CONSUMER EDUCATION AND PROTECTION AGAINST SHODDY GOODS, THE
COUNCIL HAS TWELVE MEMBERS DRAWN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO SERVE
ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. IT IS ASSISTED BY A FULL TIME STAFF OF 34
AND ITS EXPENSES OF DOLLARS 2 MILLION A YEAR ARE MET FROM GOVERN-
MENT FUNDS.
THE COUNCIL HAS CONDUCTED TWO MAJOR STUDIES ON THE RICE TRADE
AND ON SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND UNIFORMS. IT HAS ALSO INVESTIGATED
OTHER AREAS INCLUDING BREAD, MOTOR VEHICLE SPARE PARTS, SOFT DRINKS, DOCTOR'S CONSULTATION FEES AND CHARGES, TELEVISION SETS. CIGARETTES, MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT INSURANCE AND NEWSPAPERS.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED ALMOST 7000 COMPLAINTS, OF WHICH ABOUT 4000 CONCERNED PRICES. IN ALMOST 600 CASES THE COUNCIL HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL: IN ABOUT 1200 CASES THE
RETAILERS EXPLANATION HAS BEEN SATISFACTORY. IN THE REMAINDER OF
THE CASES, IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO MAKE PROGRESS BECAUSE THE COMPLAINTS WERE GROUNDLESS, TOO VAGUE OR WERE OUTSIDE THE TERMS
OF REFERENCE OF THE COUNCIL.
MACLEHOSE
FILE S: AKIOD (3)
SIR D. WATSON MR. WILFORD
Стил вник 18/22 Copeed
HKIL 5/18
COPIES TO: KK 6
MR KIDD
- 3- CONFIDENTIAL
لا/
H.K. GOVT OFFICE,6 GRAFTON ST.