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 : As mentioned on p.316 of the 2012-13 Estimates, the matters requiring special attention by the Consumer Council in 2012-13 include: to enhance and promote the dedicated “Shopsmart” website for Mainland visitors in Hong Kong. What is the specific promotion plan? Moreover, how will the website be enhanced? Will a special column be added so that visitors can lodge their complaints through the website? What resources will be involved in promoting and enhancing the above website? Asked by : Hon. TSE Wai-chun, Paul Reply : The Consumer Council (CC) is concerned about the consumer rights of visitors and has established the “Shopsmart” website for visitors from the Mainland. The website aims to enhance their understanding about Hong Kong, assist them to appreciate the cultural differences between the two places, strengthen their confidence to shop in Hong Kong and raise their awareness of their consumer rights before they come to Hong Kong. Apart from the latest product testing reports and surveys, “Shopsmart” contains information on cultural diversity, tips on using credit cards, prohibited / controlled items into or out of Hong Kong and issues on refunds. Separately, complaint cases and the list of shops convicted of selling counterfeit drugs are also posted on the website for reference. Promotion leaflets on the website are available at inbound border control points. As at January 2012, the website has been viewed more than 1 million times and recorded a hit rate of over 98 million. In view of its popularity, the CC plans to revamp the design of the “Shopsmart” website and strengthen its contents in 2012-13. The CC also plans to launch a mobile version, so that users can surf the website by mobile phones. The CC will also step up promotion by establishing hyperlinks with websites of search engines on the Mainland, the National Tourism Administration of The Peoples’ Republic of China, and other consumer protection agencies in the Mainland. The cost concerned will be around HK$300,000. Furthermore, there are already dedicated pages in the “Shopsmart” website which remind visitors that if they wish to, they may lodge complaints or reflect their views to the CC through telephone, email or in person.
Question : Please set out in detail the expenditure items and the respective estimated expenditure for the provision earmarked for the establishment and operation of the Competition Commission out of the increase of $80.9 million under Programme (4). Please also set out in detail the respective expenditure items and estimated expenditure under the increased allocations for various subventions. Asked by : Hon. TSE Wai-chun, Paul Reply : Under Programme (4), the increase in 2012-13 estimate over the 2011-12 revised estimate is $80.9 million. This includes the provision of $80.7 million mainly for the recruitment and employment of the Competition Commission’s staff, the leasing of the Commission’s office accommodation, and research and promotional work of the Competition Commission. The actual expenditure will depend on the legislative progress of the Bill. Separately, subventions in the 2012-13 estimate increase by $28.174 million over the 2011-12 revised estimate. The respective expenditure items and estimated expenditure under the increased allocations for various subventions are set out below:
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