TRADE AND INDUSTRY
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intervals on the local TV channels. The council also continued to support the campaign to use fewer plastic bags in both the retail and supermarket sector and selected wet markets.
During the year, the council responded to more than 162 000 consumer enquiries and processed 8 778 consumer complaints including 740 complaints from tourists. The settlement rate of consumer complaints stood at an average of 85 per cent of justifiable cases. The council also organised about 250 consumer educational activities at district level through its 16 consumer advice centres.
In 1996, CHOICE maintained an average monthly circulation of 28 000 copies and was a regular source of consumer information to the public, as well as providing a stimulus for media coverage on a wide range of consumer issues and concerns. The council conducted a total of 30 product tests, 56 in-depth studies and 16 survey projects with a view to collecting independent and impartial information to assist consumers to make the right choice. Some tests were conducted specifically in response to the enactment of new legislation on product safety.
The council works closely with the government through the Trade and Industry Branch, and trade and professional bodies and was increasingly consulted on major policies affecting the interests of consumers such as the review on rice control scheme, and amendments to the Banking Ordinance. The council, as an executive and council member of the Consumers International, maintains regular contacts with its counterparts in China and overseas.
Metrication
The government's policy on metrication seeks to promote and facilitate the progressive adoption of the International Systems 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, management and consumer bodies, and government officials, is the focal point of liaison on 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 and young families. A territory-wide Billboard Design Competition was organised for secondary school students in order to increase their awareness of the adoption of metrication in their daily life. In August 1996, the committee took part in the 7th Food Expo which was one of the major events of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The metric conversion dials distributed and the educational games at the Metrication Committee counter in the Food Expo were well received by thousands of visitors. Fifteen boy scouts were appointed as Metrication Ambassadors during the year in appreciation of their contribution towards various promotional activities organised by the committee.
Printing
A reputation for good printing quality, quick and reliable delivery, and competitive prices continues to boost the international status of Hong Kong's printing industry. The territory is a leading centre for printing and publishing, with 4 770 printing