Session No. 5 File name : cedb(cit)- doc

(b) provisions required for the above projects; and

(c) expected completion date of the review.

Asked by : Hon. LI Wah-ming, Fred
Reply :
In the light of changes in the modus operandi of pyramid selling schemes, we are reviewing the existing Pyramid Selling Prohibition Ordinance, including its coverage, definitions and penalties, with a view to identifying suitable amendments. We will draw reference from the approaches and legislative models adopted in other countries and places such as Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland when conducting the review. We hope to complete the review within 2010.
As regards expenditure, the head-count and salaries of officers in this Bureau and other Departments involved in the review have been subsumed in the staffing and financial provisions of the respective organizations. It is difficult to qualify them separately.

Signature
Name in block letters	MISS YVONNE CHOI
Post Title	Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism)
Date	18.3.2010

(a) estimated cost of the consultation;

(b) specific work involved in the consultation;

(c) commencement and completion dates as well as duration of the consultation; and

(d) expected time for completing compilation of the data gathered and announcing the findings of the consultation exercise?

Asked by : Hon. LI Wah-ming, Fred
Reply :
The policy review on consumer protection legislation has come to a final stage and we have developed broad directions of legislative proposals to tackle unfair trade practices that are commonly seen in the market. Our inclination is to expand the coverage of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance to cover false representations in respect of services. We also intend to create new criminal offences in the Ordinance to prohibit misleading omissions, aggressive practices and the practices of “bait-and-switch” and “accepting payment without intending or being able to supply” by making reference to relevant legislation in the UK and Australia.
We will in due course consult the Economic Development Panel of this Council on the abovementioned broad directions, so that we can take account of and reflect Members’ views when finalising the public consultation document. The arrangements for consultation have yet to be confirmed. We look forward to exchanging views with Members and will ensure that sufficient time and avenues are available for public consultation.
As regards staffing and expenditure, the head-count and salaries of officers involved in the abovementioned tasks 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.

Signature
Name in block letters	MISS YVONNE CHOI
Post Title	Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism)
Date	18.3.2010

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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

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