I
Finally, Mr President, I would like to comment briefly on both the motion and the amendment motion. Firstly, on the amendment motion proposed by Hon James Tien, Honourable Members may rest assured that the Government fully recognises the far-reaching implications of the recommendations of the Council's report on a wide range of sectors of Hong Kong's economy. We will consider the implications of any new or additional market regulations for the smooth functioning of the market mechanism, economic efficiency, freedom of contract, consumer choice and Hong Kong's competitiveness in the international arena. As regards the motion moved by Hon Fred Li, as the Government is still receiving and considering the various comments of the public and interested organisations on the recommendations of the report, it is not yet in a position to agree or disagree with what have been advocated by the Consumer Council, namely enactment of a competition law, the establishment of a Competition Authority and an Appeal Body in Hong Kong. Respecting the fine tradition of working together with LegCo and the community at large, the Government will certainly consult this Council and the public in determining the specific details and contents of the law if we do decide that a competition law should be enacted in Hong Kong.
With these remarks, I conclude my speech. Thank you Mr President.
End
Human Reproductive Technology Bill
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Following is a speech by the acting Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Doris Ho, in moving the second reading of the Human Reproductive Technology Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
I move that the Human Reproductive Technology Bill be read the second time.
The Human Reproductive Technology Bill aims to put in place statutory measures to ensure that human reproductive technology will be safely practised and the rights of consumers protected.
A Provisional Council on Reproductive Technology was established in 1995 to advise Government on the drafting of legislation and a Code of Practice. Following public consultations and advice from the Provisional Council, we propose to establish a statutory Council on Human Reproductive Technology which will be responsible for licensing providers of reproductive technology services and persons conducting embryo research. The Council will also monitor their compliance with operational guidelines in a code of practice.