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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary :

The Working Party on reform of civil rules and procedures of the High Court appointed by the Honourable Chief Justice Mr Andrew Kwok-nang Li holds its first meeting this (March 11) morning.

First announced by the Chief Justice during the Opening of the Legal Year 2000, the working party was tasked to review the civil rules and procedures of the High Court, and to recommend changes thereto with a view to ensuring and improving access to justice at reasonable cost and speed.

Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman of the Working Party, the Honourable Mr Justice Patrick Chan, Chief Judge of the High Court, said that members had discussed on how the work of the Working Party should be taken forward.

"The Working Party will study the fundamental principles for the administration of civil justice as applicable to Hong Kong, and will identify the key problems, if any, of the existing system, and their causes.

"Various Sub-committees will be formed in due course to study specific topics and carry out consultations and receive representations.

"The Working Party will submit its recommendations to the Chief Justice at appropriate time," Mr Justice Chan said.

Members of the Working Party include the Hon Mr Justice Rogers, and the Hon Mr Justice Ribeiro (Justices of Appeal of the High Court); the Hon Mr Justice Seagroatt and the Hon Mr Justice Hartmann (Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court); Ms Carlye Chu, the Registrar, High Court; Professor Michael Wilkinson; Mr Geoffrey Ma S.C. (barrister); Mr Patrick Swain (solicitor); Mr Ian Wingfield (member of the Department of Justice); Mr Shu-ying Chan (member of the Legal Aid Department); and Mrs Pamela Chan (lay member).

End/Saturday, March 11, 2000

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