ENG-1957 — Page 146

PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND MARKETING

121

the Government has imposed certain controls on the landing and wholesale marketing of marine fish. These controls are exercised through an agency known as the Fish Marketing Organization, which in one aspect of its operations provides many services which would otherwise be undertaken by middlemen. The Organization is a non-profit-making con- cern deriving its revenues, and so covering its expenses, from a 6% commission charged on all the sales of fish at its markets. Its operations ensure that the fishermen obtain fair prices and a stable market for their catches; consumers also benefit through the cheap and efficient services which are provided. The 'Fish Marketing Organization is a non- Government body, although one or two of its more senior officials, including the head of the Organization (the Director of Marketing), are civil servants. The Organiza- tion at present operates under emergency legislation, in replacement of which the Marketing (Marine Fish) Ordin- ance, 1956, was enacted in May 1956. The introduction of this Ordinance, has, however, been deferred pending the preparation of the necessary subsidiary legislation.

The Fish Marketing Organization was established shortly after the reoccupation of Hong Kong in October 1945 and now operates five wholesale fish markets. These are established at Aberdeen and Shau Kei Wan on the Island, at Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon, and at Tai Po and Sha Tau Kok in the New Territories. A total of six fish-collecting depots and posts have also been set up in the main fishing villages, and from these the Organization provides sea and land transport to the wholesale markets.

At the markets the Organization's staff sorts the fish into species and sizes, weighs it and prepares it in lots for sale by public auction. Fishermen may collect the proceeds of their sales directly after the sale has taken place; alter- natively, if they so prefer, the Organization will send the money back to the depot or post which serves their area. As an additional marketing service, the Organization