ENG-1993 — Page 140

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

The Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance came into effect in July, ushering in a new era of consumer protection in product safety. The ordinance came into being after years of advocacy by the council. In addition, preparation of legislation on consumer product safety reached its final stage.

Regulation of insurance agents and brokers by the insurance industry was introduced early in 1993, five years after the council's first call to monitor the industry.

Following the disclosure of a high level of consumer dissatisfaction with the service of bridal salons, operators in the trade heeded the council's call to establish an ethical code of practice.

The government earmarked $10 million for allocation to the council for the establish- ment of a Consumer Representative Action Fund, to assist groups of consumers to initiate collective legal action against a common defendant whose conduct was detrimental to the consumers. The council commissioned a legal consultancy to formulate the modus operandi of the fund.

While taking on new challenges, the council continued its work to improve consumer welfare through handling consumer complaints, providing consumer advice, organising consumer education activities and conducting in-depth studies, tests and survey projects.

During the year, the council received 9 509 complaints and 198 147 enquiries for advice and information at its 16 Consumer Advice Centres throughout the territory. A total of 11 shops were named for engaging in sharp business practices.

The council was also active in promoting consumer awareness on environmental issues. The wastage of resources in the over-packaging of products, the virtues of using recycled paper and the truthfulness of so-called 'green labels' were some of the subjects covered in CHOICE.

In November, the council joined forces with the Environmental Protection Department to organise a high-level workshop comprising representatives of major supermarkets and department stores. Armed with the result of a consumer attitude survey on the use of plastic bags, the council continued to persuade the private sector to minimise their use.

Aside from CHOICE, which has an average circulation of 45 000 copies, other council publications include a guide to property purchase and to medical and health services.

In safeguarding consumer interests, the council works closely with various government departments and policy branches. It is consulted on major policies affecting consumer interests and is represented on many committees dealing with specific consumer issues and concerns. It is also a council member of the International Organisation of Consumers Union, which is dedicated to the protection and promotion of consumer interests through research, information and educational activities.

Metrication

The government's metrication policy is to promote and facilitate the progressive adoption of the International System of Units (SI) in Hong Kong. The Metrication Ordinance, enacted in 1976, provides for the eventual replacement of non-metric units by SI units in all legislation in the territory. Government departments use metric units exclusively.

A metrication committee, comprising representatives of industry, commerce, manage- ment and consumer bodies, and government officials, is the focal point of liaison for all matters concerning metrication. It advises on, and encourages the commercial and industrial sectors to develop, metrication programmes.

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