SO the legislators have had their day. Mr Chim Pui-Chung - he with certain interest in the Stock Exchange and its options market - scored a victory of sorts yesterday.
Thirty-three to nine with two abstentions amounts to a definite slap on the wrist for the Government and the way it introduced stock futures to Hong Kong.
Now our leaders, in general, and the Securities and Futures Exchange, in particular, have taken on board the lesson that Legco handed out yesterday and will ensure that in future instruments are not introduced without consultation.
Meanwhile, we have consultation coming out of our ears as the Hong Kong Futures Exchange continues its efforts to convince decision makers, opinion formers and practitioners that the arrival of two individual stock index futures will bankrupt the territory, cause tidal waves and bring down tall buildings.
The arguments being put forward in favour of stock futures should be strong enough to carry the next vote on their introduction - the amendment to the Commodities Trading Ordinance - which, coincidentally, is taken one day before the HKFE's consultation programme ends.
Having made its point, Legco now appears to be ready to lend its support. If it did not, it would look ludicrous.