XN000022-1995-02-15 — Page 56

34 -

It is noted that the estimate relating to the United Kingdom was produced, not by the Government, but by the Institute of Directors. It is also relevant to note that the level and extent of regulation in Hong Kong is much lower and more limited than that in the United Kingdom. Indeed, Hong Kong has been recently ranked by Fortune Magazine as the world's best city in which to do business and by the Heritage Foundation as the freest economy in the world.

It is also relevant to point out that before any new piece of legislation is introduced, the Administration will have to assess its economic impact and that inevitably will involve a general assessment of the cost and benefits involved.

The Administration firmly believes in the philosophy of positive non- interventionism and its policies and regulatory schemes are a reflection of that philosophy. However, it must be accepted that regulation is sometimes necessary and indeed it can sometimes bring net economic and social benefits. Hong Kong, as a prosperous community and a world class financial and trade centre, cannot ignore the need for protecting the public and safeguarding its reputation and standing as an international financial and trade centre. The important point is that the Administration is fully aware of the need to ensure that overall, the impact of any regulation is beneficial to Hong Kong.

End/Wednesday, February 15, 1995

Measures in place to control hawker activities

!

Following is a question by the Hon Roger Luk Koon-hoo and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Joseph Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council whether it is aware that the substantial increase in the number of hawkers in urban districts (including Central and Tsim Sha Tsui) has caused serious obstruction and nuisance to pedestrians; if so, whether any positive measures have been taken to address the problem?