Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13 Director of Bureau : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Session No. 12 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13
Question : The Consumer Council plans to carry out 36 in-depth studies in 2013. What is the nature of these studies? What is the estimated expenditure involved? The number of in-depth studies in 2012 is 10% less than those in 2011 and 2010. What are the reasons? Asked by : Hon. LEE Wai-king, Starry Reply : Each year, the Consumer Council (CC) conducts product tests, studies of general interest, in-depth researches and consumer surveys. Generally speaking, manpower and resources are deployed in accordance with the respective resource demands of researches and studies scheduled for the year. For example, if product tests in a year require substantial resources, resources for surveys or topical researches might need to be adjusted, and vice versa. “In-depth studies” are studies on products, services or prices that are not classified as product tests or surveys. These studies generally do not require purchase of large test samples. Nevertheless, they often require substantial human resources for data collection and in-depth analysis. For instance, in 2011, the CC conducted in-depth studies on private columbarium and online group purchases. The head-count and salaries of officers involved have been subsumed into the CC’s establishment and provision. It is difficult to quantify them separately. The CC plans to conduct 36 in-depth studies in 2012, slightly less than 40 in 2011. The main reason is that the CC estimates that in view of the increased number of product tests in 2011 when comparing with that of 2010, the trend of increased need for product tests may sustain in 2012. We would however like to point out that the CC will exercise flexibility and may adjust the number of the various types of studies to be conducted in the light of changing demands within the year.
Question : What is the legislative progress on tackling unfair trade practices? What is the expected date of implementation? Has any provision been earmarked this year for implementing the legislation? If yes, what is the amount of provision? What is the work plan? If not, when will the work be carried out? Asked by : Hon. LEE Wai-king, Starry Reply : The Government is committed to tackling unfair trade practices with a view to protecting consumer interests and ensuring a level playing field for business. Last year, we issued a consultation report in respect of the public consultation we conducted in 2010 and briefed the Panel on Economic Development of this Council on the consultation outcome and way forward. The Trade Descriptions (Unfair Trade Practices) (Amendment) Bill 2012 was gazetted on 24 February 2012 and was introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second reading on 29 February 2012. We will work closely with the Council with a view to completing the scrutiny of the Bill as soon as possible. As regards the manpower and expenditure in relation to the legislative exercise, the head-count and salaries of officers involved have been subsumed into the establishment of and provision for the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of this Bureau. It is difficult to quantify them separately.
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