ENG-1974 — Page 47

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

of which he is chairman. This body of senior unofficial representatives of sectors including commerce, industry, banking and insurance, is nominated by the Governor, and usually meets once a month. The Textiles Advisory Board, a more specialised body, also chaired by the Director, is consulted on matters affecting the textile in- dustry. It met on 24 occasions during 1974. Both these boards are served by specialist committees as the need arises.

The Director of Commerce and Industry is also Commissioner of the Preventive Service. He is assisted in Hong Kong by two deputy directors, one of whom is also the Deputy Commissioner of the Preventive Service. There are seven assistant directors, one of whom is the Assistant Commissioner of the Preventive Service. These assistant directors head the seven divisions of the department: Commercial relations (divided into two sections), industry, trade, textile controls, administration and the Preventive Service. The department has three overseas offices in Brussels, Geneva and Washington, and it is also represented in the Hong Kong Government Office in London.

The commercial relations division collects and disseminates information on trade policy measures taken by other countries which may affect Hong Kong, and keep abreast of the activities of international organisations. This division also conducts Hong Kong's trade negotiations with other governments. The textile controls division is responsible for implementing agreements reached. This involves the calculation and allocation of quotas, and associated control procedures. The overseas offices are almost entirely concerned with commercial relations work and provide current information on international matters which may affect Hong Kong.

The industry division provides liaison between industry and other government departments, promotes overseas investment in local industry, and deals with specific industrial problems. It undertakes factory visits, advises on industrial infrastructure, special industrial projects and matters concerning industrial land.

The trade division is responsible for certification and documentation procedures, including an import and export licensing system for commodities other than textiles. It also operates a trade investigation service which undertakes the regular inspection of factories and goods in connection with certification and licensing controls, and prosecutes those suspected of contravening the relevant regulations. The division is also responsible for handling trade complaints and the control of reserved com- modities, of which rice is the most important.

A rice control scheme has been in operation since 1955. The object of the scheme is to ensure regular and adequate supplies of rice to consumers, at reasonable prices. A reserve stock is maintained to safeguard supplies to the public.

The administration division is responsible for the organisation and management of the department and for administrative liaison with the overseas offices.

The work of the Preventive Service is described in detail in Chapter 10.

Trade Development Council

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, established by statute in 1966, is charged with the responsibility of promoting, assisting and developing Hong Kong's