3

positive approach in enforcing the provisions of the amended

Ordinance. Consideration will be given to working out

arrangements amongst the relevant departments to initiate.

prosecution actions against those which may contravene the

provisions. Penalty for offences under the Ordinance will be

increased to $10,000 on first conviction and $25,000 on

subsequent convictions. The intention is to protect the public

from being induced by such advertisements to seek improper

treatment from unqualified persons or to resort to wrong ful

application by self-medication, with the result that there is

delay in seeking proper treatment, making the disease much more

difficult to cure. In serious cases this could cause permanent

disability or even endanger the life of the patient.

1.

While

During the consultation exercise on the Bill, merchants

of Chinese medicines have asked whether certain Chinese terms

which their members have been. using in their advertisement will

contravene the law. The Administration has given its opinions

for the general guidance of Chinese medicine dealers, pointing

out that most of their commonly used terms are acceptable.

no vetting machinery will be set up to screen each and every

advertisements on Chinese medicine prior to their publication,

the Administration welcomes enquiries from the dealers concerned

regarding terminologies of diseases generally and would be happy

to provide the necessary guidance.

77

8.

adjourned.

Sir, I move that the debate on this motion be now

Question on adjournment proposed, put and agreed to.

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