Baffling conclusion
For anybody who has devoted considerable time to research a topic, there is nothing more discouraging than seeing the fruits of intellectual labour gathering dust on the shelf.
So it is entirely understandable that members of the Law Reform Commission are most unhappy with the fate of their reports. Over the past few years, none has been implemented by the Government.
In the latest example, what baffles the mind is that the Economic Services Bureau, whose policy responsibilities include consumer protection, has vetoed a report on the supply of goods on the grounds that the recommendations, if carried out, would lead to higher business costs and possible increase in litigation.
After all, the proposed changes, which sought to enhance consumer protection by clarifying responsibility for hired goods, were welcomed by business during the consultation. Even if higher costs and litigation were real concerns, they should be aired by the Commerce and Industry Bureau, whose remit is to promote business, not Economic Services.
As the Government is ultimately responsible to the public for changing the law and has to stand the backlash against any ill-considered initiatives, it is entitled to tread carefully in solving any problems.
But something is seriously amiss if it rejects proposals that have been carefully thought through and welcomed by the parties concerned.
