TRADE AND INDUSTRY
able Contracts Ordinance. The legislation represented a major milestone in enhancing consumer protection in Hong Kong. The council will assist consumers and relevant government departments in the vigorous enforcement of these laws.
Altogether, 30 product tests, 47 in-depth studies and 14 survey projects were carried out in 1994 with a view to collecting independent objective information to assist consumers to make the right decision. The findings induced positive efforts from manufacturers and traders in improving product quality and provided solid grounds for government policy considerations. These projects were carried out either at the initiative of the council or in response to the needs expressed by consumers.
The council has taken on the promotion of 'green consumerism' to change the public's consumption patterns and lifestyles, particularly by adopting energy-saving and pollution- minimisation measures. In conjunction with the Environmental Protection Department and the Retail Management Association, the council launched a campaign to encourage the public to use fewer plastic bags, in May. The objective was to reduce the quantity of plastic bags dispensed in major retail outlets by at least 10 per cent in the first year. Some 30 major retailers, comprising nearly 1 500 outlets, took part in the campaign. Another plastic bag reduction campaign will be launched in selected 'wet' markets to assess the feasibility of introducing different packaging options in markets.
With an average monthly circulation of 30 000, the council's monthly magazine CHOICE is a source of regular information for consumers, as well as providing a stimulus for media coverage-on consumer issues and concerns. The council also issued topical publications, such as the Property Guide, Medical Digest and Camera Buying Guide. About 250 consumer educational activities were carried out at district level through the council's consumer advice centres.
The council works closely with the government through the Trade and Industry Branch and is consulted on major policies affecting the interests of consumers. It maintains regular contacts with overseas counterparts and foreign government agencies in the exchange of information and ideas on consumer issues of common concern. Through these contacts, collaboration in joint product tests and research projects is made possible. The Consumer Council is a council member of the International Organisation of Consumers Union (IOCU). In September, the council was elected a member of the Executive Committee of the IOCU.
Metrication
The government's policy on metrication seeks to promote and facilitate the progressive adoption of the International System of Units (SI) in Hong Kong. The Metrication Ordinance, enacted in 1976, provides for the eventual replacement of non-metric units by SI units in all legislation in the territory. Government departments use metric units exclusively. The Metrication Committee, comprising representatives of industry, commerce, manage- ment and consumer bodies, and government officials, is the focal point of liaison for all matters concerning metrication. It advises on, and encourages the commercial and industrial sectors to develop, metrication programmes.
During the year, the committee continued to direct its efforts towards the retail sector. Metric scale demonstration counters were set up in a number of Hong Kong Housing Authority shopping centres to familiarise members of the public with the use of metric units of measurement. An encouraging response was received from primary and secondary school
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