TNAG-1723-FCO40-2436-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 175

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The illegal wholesale of marine fish is on the

increase. Criminal elements are suspected to be

involved.

Between September 1985 and May 1987 there were

But it has become clear that

189 successful prosecutions.

the maximum penalties no longer serve as an effective

deterrent. Following consultation with the Fight Crime

Committee, it is considered necessary to increase the

maximum penalties in line with penalties for other

comparable offences. The Bill thus provides that the

maximum fine be increased from $500 to $5,000 in respect

of resisting arrest or obstructing any search, seizure,

detention or arrest, and for contravention of the By- -laws

fish marketing organisation, of the and from $1,000 to $10,000 in respect of the

illegal landing and wholesale of marine fish and for

contravention of the regulations. The maximum term of

imprisonment of six months provided for in the Ordinance

remains the same.

Sir,

The Bill also seeks to improve the operation of

the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance by providing that

those who purchase fish at an illegal market will no

longer be guilty of an offence, and by expanding the

definition of "sell" so as to make it an offence to offer

or expose for sale or possess for the purpose of sale

marine fish, if the transaction takes place other than at

a wholesale fish market. "Sale" in this context, of

course, refers to sale by wholesale not retail. These

amendments should enable the police to mount more

effective operations against those actually involved in

the illegal sale or any associated activities.