End
(c)&(d)
(e)
23
The Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine (PCCM) has done an assessment on the trade of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. It is now deliberating on the mode of regulation of Chinese proprietary medicine and herbal medicine.
Currently, the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance provides for the regulation of western medicine. The PCCM considers that Chinese proprietary medicine should be regulated under separate legislation which should include registration and labelling requirements. The PCCM expects to draw up proposals for Government's consideration in 1997.
The Department of Health has contacts with the Ministry of Public Health in China on public health issues. It also has regular contacts with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. The Department will inform the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of any incidents involving Chinese medicine in Hong Kong for their follow up actions. In August this year, members of the PCCM made a 5 day visit to the unit and other related institutions in Beijing to understand the current regulatory system of Chinese medicine and its development in China.
Freedom of expression and assembly
Following is a question by the Hon Lee Wing-tat and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
In a recent interview with an overseas newspaper, the Chinese Vice Premier- cum-Foreign Minister made certain remarks about the freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the press in the territory after the transfer of sovereignty in 1997. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council;