ENG-1963 — Page 132

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

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smuggled tobacco and illicit stills were made. The Preventive Service took action in 63 cases of infringement of the Merchandise Marks Ordinance. Articles seized included proprietary medicines, sunglasses, toothpaste, roofing felt and tinned foodstuffs.

A Preventive Service Ordinance and a new Dutiable Commodi- ties Ordinance were enacted on 16th October. The effect of the former was to regularize the terms of appointment, conditions of service, disciplinary procedure and provide a welfare fund for the service; the latter consolidated various amendments made over the years since the old ordinance was enacted in 1931.

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TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is the oldest chamber and the only member in the Colony of the International Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1861, it now has a member- ship of nearly 1,000 representing all branches of commerce and industry. Membership is open to persons of all nationalities who have business connexions in Hong Kong. The chamber is an organi- zing member of the British National Committee of the Inter- national Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Federation of British and Commonwealth Chambers of Commerce. It main- tains a very close liaison with Government departments and works in close co-operation with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries in dealing with both domestic and international matters affecting the Colony's trade.

Other active chambers and associations include the Hong Kong Junior Chamber of Commerce, which takes an active part in local civic affairs, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong Exporters' Association and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries was established by Ordinance in 1960. Unlike most of the other industrial associations which cater mainly for individual trades, the Federation cuts across racial and sectional interests and its membership includes all trades, many nationalities and enterprises of all sizes.

The establishment of a standards section was one of the most important activities of the Federation during the year. An agree- ment entered into between the Federation and the Retail Trading