2
retail
work in publicising this problem and encouraging both
tourists and local residents to deal with reputable
outlets. They endeavour to persuade retailers to adopt
those ethical standards upon which our reputation as a
shopping centre depends.
4.
I am firmly of the view that if possible it is
far better to rely on persuasion and publicity rather than
legislation. Nevertheless, the complaints have become SO
numerous that we must now consider what legislative
proposals would be appropriate to meet the abuse. If we
have to legislate I believe that some criminal sanction
would be called for. Members will recollect that the
Trade Descriptions Ordinance already provides for
penalties up to $500,000 and imprisonment for 5 years in
relation to the offence of supplying any goods to which a
false trade description is applied.
04
5.
Sir, we will continue to watch the situation
carefully. I hope that those few retailers who now abuse
the commercial freedom afforded to them will heed what I
have said. The unfortunate aspect of this matter is that
if we have to intervene, the burden of compliance could
fall on many innocent and reputable dealers as well as on
the guilty minority.
16. Mr Andrew So