ENG-1982 — Page 61

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

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The problem of pyramid selling - a scheme to defraud unwary consumers by the lure of profits in product sales - received considerable publicity during the year. This has led to concern over unfair trading practices and the council has begun a study of unfair trading legislation in countries such as Britain and the United States.

The provision of shopping advice and counselling continued to be a popular service with consumers. During the year, three new advice centres were opened bringing the total number of centres to eight. The primary objective is to operate at least one advice centre in each of the 18 administration districts throughout Hong Kong. A total of 45 346 enquiries for advice were received, representing an increase of 56 per cent over the previous year. Shopping pamphlets on many consumer durables are available free at the centres.

The number of consumer complaints was 7 962 and in 92 per cent of the cases which could be substantiated in favour of the aggrieved consumers, the council was successful in effecting reasonable redress to them. In certain cases, the council helped consumers to pursue their complaints through the Small Claims Tribunal for a more satisfactory settlement. Some cases were referred to the relevant government law-enforcing departments. During the year, the council conducted comparative testing on a diversity of consumer products including disposable baby diapers, binoculars, zoom lenses, dehumidifiers, mosquito electrocutors/repellers, 35 mm non-reflex cameras, box fans, pearl cream, orange beverages, household rubber gloves, hair curlers and glass cleaner. Results of the tests, complete with information on brand names, are published in the council's monthly magazine Choice.

The council strongly believes that an informed consumer, exercising rational choice in the purchase of goods and services, is probably the best means of consumer protection in the long run/Its continuous efforts in the field of consumer education and information have resulted in growing consumer awareness in Hong Kong. The council was kept virtually in daily contact with the mass media which sought its views on a wide range of consumer matters and a series entitled For the Consumer, consisting of 10 30-minute episodes, was produced and shown to a large television audience. The council also worked closely with the Education Department to promote consumer education in schools. Activities included an annual consumer education seminar, talks, a teaching kit, competitions, exhibitions, slide shows and films.

The Consumer Council is a council member of the International Organisation of Consumers Unions (IOCU) and its executive director is the Chairman of the IOCU Consumer Education Committee.

Trade in Endangered Species

The possession, importation and exportation of endangered species of animals and plants, including parts and certain products, into and out of Hong Kong is strictly regulated in accordance with the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance which gives effect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The ordinance is administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and is enforced by officers of the department and the Customs and Excise Department. The Trade Department is authorised to issue certificates for ivoryware carved in Hong Kong.

Licensing policy follows the principles of the convention to allow legitimate trade in scheduled specimens to proceed. However, in certain cases, import licences may not be granted at all if this will help the survival of the species. For example, there has been a total