The Consumer Council is reviewing laws tackling dishonest sales practices and will submit a report to the Government on whether they need to be strengthened.

The council's Chief Executive Connie Lau said on radio talk shows today that Hong Kong lags behind other countries in consumer right legislation despite having more than 20 laws covering the issue, which she suggested should be consolidated into one legislation.

She said a new system handling complaints from Mainland tourists claiming to have been ripped off by Hong Kong shop operators was formed during the Easter holiday. Under it, the council will look into complaints immediately and decide on what action to take, and Customs and Police will be alerted.

So far the council has received 10 complaints referred by the Police.

As a short-term measure, the council will study the Trade Descriptions Ordinance and forward recommendations to revise the ordinance in the coming months. In addition, Police and Customs officers will enhance enforcement against unscrupulous shops.