4.
The report recommends that the supermarkets should improve their customer
services.
"We fully support this recommendation," the spokesman said: "From our discussions with the supermarkets, we find that they are generally positive towards the suggestions for improvement put forward by the Consumer Council.
"We are glad to hear from the supermarkets their initiatives to improve product labelling, to promote compliance with the Code of Practice issued by the Article Numbering Association, to cater for special customer needs and to strengthen liaison with customers."
The report recommends that the Government should encourage information disclosure by the supermarkets.
"We have taken positive steps to implement this recommendation," he said.
"The Commissioner for Census and Statistics will improve the accessibility and availability of information on supermarkets to the public.
"We are happy to learn from the major supermarkets that they are prepared to provide more information to the Consumer Council to facilitate its future research work," he added.
The report recommends that the Government should develop and implement planning standards for supermarkets in remote districts.
"We recognise the importance of this recommendation. The Director of Planning has commissioned a study to formulate new planning standards and guidelines for retail establishments, including supermarkets," the spokesman said.
"The study will involve the Consumer Council and is scheduled for completion by early 1996."
The report recommends that the operation right of supermarkets should be granted through open tender.
"It is the on-going practice of the Housing Authority to let supermarket operation rights in new premises through open tender," he said.
"The Housing Authority will consider the need to extend the same practice to existing supermarket sites if there is abuse of market dominance.
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