XN000022-1995-04-26 — Page 14

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Motion debate on travel insurance

Following is the speech by the acting Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mrs Regina Ip, in the Legislative Council motion debate on travel insurance today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I am grateful to the Honourable Howard Young for moving the present motion for debate, and for other Honourable Members who have spoken for their helpful comments. We will study carefully the suggestions and comments they have made in our consideration of the proposals for the protection of outbound travellers to be submitted by the Travel Industry Council.

The Government agrees in principle with Honourable Members that measures should be introduced speedily to improve the protection available to outbound travellers against the risks to their lives and properties while travelling overseas. The question is how and to what extent. Over the years we have, in conjunction with the outbound travel industry, introduced new initiatives to enhance the protection of outbound travellers. This is an on-going process which requires the support and co- operation of the travel industry and outbound travellers. We have always kept under review the need for new protection measures.

As the Hon Fred Li recognised, since December 1994, the Government has been in close touch with the Travel Industry Council and the Consumer Council with a view to formulating proposals to improve protection for outbound travellers in case of accidents occurring outside Hong Kong. In particular we have focused on the need for insurance cover for both outbound travellers and travel agents. At the same time, the Consumer Council and the Travel Industry Council have strengthened their publicity efforts to promote awareness among the general public of the benefits of being covered by an insurance policy while travelling outside Hong Kong. Travel agents have been advised to remind their clients to take out insurance coverage to protect themselves.