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(b) improving the collection of statistical data on supermarkets and providing expert advice to the Consumer Council in monitoring competition among supermarkets more effectively; and

(c)

the Government accepting that, if feasible, a common carrier system would inject competition into the domestic gas supply market to consumers' benefit. A study of the feasibility of such a system will be commissioned. An Energy Advisory Committee will be set up to advise the Government on energy policy and other related matters, including tariff increases by the two power companies and the Hong Kong and China Gas Co Ltd.

Apart from responding to the Consumer Council's studies, the Government, in pursuance of the sector-specific approach, has introduced in recent years new policy initiatives to promote healthy competition in specific business sectors or service areas. Some examples of these initiatives include:

(a)

(b)

(c)

હ

(d)

оп

telecommunications, since last

the local July,

fixed telecommunications network services have been opened to competition. The Hong Kong Telephone Company and three new telephone companies have been licensed to provide all forms of fixed network services in competition with each other. Comprehensive safeguards have been included in the licence conditions to protect consumer interests, promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices;

on broadcasting, as a matter of policy, the Government has incorporated clauses to ensure free economy in all broadcasting licences renewed since 1994. All licences now include such clauses which should help to ensure that broadcasters do not engage in unfair or anti-competitive trade practices;

on medical services, legislation was amended in August 1995 to provide for the introduction of a universal licensing examination for the registration of medical practitioners in Hong Kong. This will provide a level playing field to those seeking to enter the profession in Hong Kong;

on transport services, in renewing bus franchises, bus routes are granted on a non-exclusive basis. This will pave the way for increased competition, where necessary, and will provide flexibility needed for adjustments in bus operations to deal with the changing operating environment;

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