TNAG-2013-FCO40-2865A-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1991-1990 — Page 146

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 28 February 1990

香港立法局 -一九九○年二月二十八日

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MR. MARTIN LEE: Sir, does the Administration accept that the relatively small number of complaints about unsafe toys may be just the tip of the iceberg because many potential hazards associated with toys are not appreciated by parents and because many parents simply throw away dangerous toys without making a complaint?

FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Yes, Sir, we are aware of what Mr. Martin LEE has said and we accept that we probably are dealing with the tip of the iceberg. Again, that is exactly why the working group was established, and that is exactly why we are proposing to introduce legislation into this Council. We would not be proposing to introduce legislation into this Council if there were only just a very few number of cases.

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鄭德健議員問:請問政府會否透過電視、電台、報章、雜誌等傳播媒介去進行廣泛的教育宣傳工 作,教導家長正確選擇安全玩具?

FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Yes, Sir, I would certainly consider making more use of the media, in particular television. My hope is that parents will also take the opportunity to pay due regard to what has been said in this Council this afternoon. Parents do owe a duty to their children.

MRS. LAU: Sir, as a follow-up on my previous question, can the Administration inform this Council why it will not encourage the relevant manufacturer or importer to withdraw the product from the market instead of seeking to introduce legislation?

FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Sir, we certainly would not mind telling manufacturers that facts had been drawn to our attention. But it would be very difficult for us to compel manufacturers to withdraw products from the market until we have the necessary legislative powers. Nevertheless, I take note of what Mrs. LAU has said.

MR. MCGREGOR: Sir, if the Government comes to the conclusion that standards should be applied to the toy industry in terms of safety and hygiene through legislation, will the Government consider giving the Consumer Council powers to carry out investigations, and even prosecutions, within that legislation?