TNAG-2131-FCO40-3046-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 4

entered a

The effect of

workers to find alternative employment, HMG has short-term reservation on behalf of Hong Kong. this reservation is to defer the entry into force of our international obligations until mid July 1990.

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The Labour Department has opened a special register to help place workers who may seek assistance in finding alternative jobs. Some 30 have so

so far been placed under this scheme. At the same time, the Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council has examined the

the retraining needs of workers and is liaising with them as to enrolment on courses under the auspices of the VTC.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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There has been no specific consultation on this Bill. The trade and the public at large are well aware of our proposals as are the Endangered Species Advisory Committee and the ad-hoc group

of the Legislative Council which has been formed to study the ivory issue.

PUBLIC REACTION

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The ivory issue and Hong Kong's role in the trade has attracted widespread public and media attention both locally and overseas. The industry (including the work force) is well aware that international commercial trade in ivory will cease in July in response to our international obligations. Nonetheless some opposition to the Bill is expected because it will finally eliminate overseas trading prospects. Despite the six month limited reservation made on Hong Kong's behalf by HMG, those affected will claim the grace period is too short either to dispose of existing legally acquired stocks or to find alternative employment.

the other hand, conservationists both in Hong Kong and

Hong Kong and overseas will welcome the move but will claim that it comes six months too late. There are likely to be

be renewed calls for

calls for strict policing to eliminate illegal ivory trading.

On

PUBLICITY

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A press release will be issued.

(Principal Assistant Secretary (Economic Services) Mr A. R. CLARK, Deputy Director (Agriculture & Fisheries), Mr A. P. BENNETT and Senior Crown Counsel, Mr G. MO, will attend this item.)

13 March 1990 (L/M 26/90)

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