Question :
Reply :
Sir,
Question No. 9
Reply by Mr G.A. Higginson, Secretary for Economic Services, to a question by
the Hon CHEUNG Yan-lung, MBE, SBStJ, JP in Legislative Council on 29 May 1985
What actions are being taken by the Government to provide consumer protection
for tourists?
Tourists are entitled to the same protection
under the law as the citizens of Hong Kong. However, I do
recognize that consumer protection through law enforcement
is not always a practical solution for tourists, given
that their stay in Hong Kong is normally short and that
legal proceedings invariably take time. In consumer
disputes involving tourists it is, I believe, better to
rely on persuasion and active mediation by the independent
bodies. The Consumer Council and the Hong Kong Tourist
Association have both done much good work in this respect.
2.
The Administration is always prepared to
consider new proposals to give further protection to
consumers, be they citizens or tourists, if this can be
achieved without unnecessarily interfering with normal
business practices.