【明報專訊】DISAGREEMENTS between consumers and traders are most often resolved between themselves, through the Consumer Council (CC) or litigation as long as no illegality is involved. But throughout such procedures, retailers are in an advantageous position, since they are more resourceful. Consumers who have to undergo the whole process are often tortured by its prolonged duration, so much so they have no choice but to withdraw their claims eventually. This is extremely unfair. The CC has suggested the establishment of a government-funded Consumer Dispute Resolution Centre (CDRC), which will handle disagreements between consumers and traders on the basis of "mediation first, arbitration next". The new mechanism deserves our support, since it will not only better protect consumers' rights, but also enable traders to settle their disputes with consumers confidentially and reduce the workload of the courts who will otherwise have to hear such cases. The government should adopt the suggestion and come up with concrete proposals for its implementation.