Session No. 5 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2010-11
Question : Regarding the financial provision for trade controls for 2009-10, the original estimated amount is $224.6 million whereas the revised amount is $179.1 million. As far as this is concerned, will the authorities provide the following information: (a) Does the revised amount represent the actual expenditure on trade controls for 2009-10? (b) Why is there a significant decrease of 20.3% in the revised amount compared with the original estimated amount? Is it due to the reason that the expected targets could not be fulfilled, thereby resulting in such a serious miscalculation? Asked by : Hon. IP LAU Suk-yee, Regina Reply : The revised estimate of $179.1 million for trade controls under Programme (5) for 2009-10 is projected on the basis of the current situation. The actual expenditure on the Programme can only be ascertained upon the expiry of the financial year. As compared with the original estimate, the revised estimate for the Programme for 2009-10 represents a decrease of 20.3%. The main reason is that, after taking into account the development of the international textiles trading environment and the local textiles industry, the Customs and Excise Department has made appropriate adjustments to the enforcement actions in respect of textiles controls, and has effectively redeployed the savings in resources for carrying out duties in respect of consumer protection under Programme (3). For the purpose of enforcing the newly enacted subsidiary legislation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance which came into effect in 2009, the Department has redeployed 48 posts from Programme (5) to conduct spot checks on more goods in the relevant categories, such as diamond, Fei Cui and certain electronic products etc. In addition, the Department has further redeployed 35 posts, with a view to stepping up enforcement actions in other aspects for safeguarding the interests of consumers (including weights and measures as well as consumer goods safety).
Question : It is stated under Programme (3) that during 2010-11, the Customs and Excise Department will continue to develop more vigorous enforcement strategies against piracy and counterfeiting activities. Will the authorities provide the following information: (a) the specific details of the concerned enforcement strategies for 2010-11; and (b) any improvements in the strategies for 2010-11 when compared with those of the previous years? Asked by : Hon. IP LAU Suk-yee, Regina Reply : (a) During 2010-11, the Customs and Excise Department will continue to mount intelligence-based operations and maintain close cooperation with the industries and the law enforcement agencies of other jurisdictions in combating piracy and counterfeiting activities at all levels. The major enforcement strategies include enhancement of enforcement capability against infringing activities on the Internet, stepping up efforts to stop the inflow of pirated and counterfeit goods, and taking targeted action against organized crimes involving piracy and counterfeiting. (b) To enhance enforcement efficiency, the Department will : (i) seek to utilize advanced computer technology and train up Internet investigation officers to better equip them with the knowledge needed to tackle the ever-changing mode of infringing activities on the Internet; (ii) strengthen the exchange and analysis of intelligence with overseas law enforcement agencies and maintain close liaison with the industries to enable prompt and targeted action to stop the inflow of pirated and counterfeit goods at source; and (iii) in respect of serious piracy and counterfeiting cases and where appropriate, apply to the court under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455) for orders to freeze and confiscate crime proceeds and stiffer sentences/penalties to provide a greater deterrence to organized syndicates.
Directory: citb -> doc doc -> 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 Download 4.7 Mb. Share with your friends:
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