*********************************************************

The following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Hon Mrs Anson Chan, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

The Administration informed this Council on January 5 this year that the Chief Executive and the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal ("Chief Justice") had met four times in the past 12 months to discuss matters relating to the resourcing of the Judiciary, legislative proposals which relate to the Judiciary and matters of mutual concern to the Judiciary and the community. In this connection, will the Executive Authorities inform this Council whether:

(a) the above matters for discussion fall within the purview of the Judiciary Administrator; if so, of the reasons for the Chief Executive's meeting the Chief Justice to discuss those matters; and

(b) the Chief Executive and the Chief Justice will curtail such meetings so as to avoid damaging the public's perception of judicial independence?

Reply:

The Administration's reply to the question raised by the Honourable Member is as follows: -

(a) The Judiciary Administrator provides administrative support to the Chief Justice who, as provided for in Section 6(2) of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance, is the head of the Judiciary and is charged with the administration of the Judiciary. The meetings between the Chief Executive and the Chief Justice provide opportunities for the Chief Executive to better understand matters of interest to the Judiciary.

(b) The meetings between the Chief Executive and the Chief Justice continue a practice before July 1997. These meetings do not in any way undermine the independence of the Judiciary. There is no cause for any public concern and we see no need to curtail such meetings.

Hong Kong has a judiciary of international standing and repute. The Administration is deeply committed to the independence of the Judiciary, which is central to the maintenance of the rule of law, and is guaranteed under the Basic Law.

End/Wednesday, February 23, 2000

NNNN