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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

Apart from committed to improving court facilities, the Judiciary is dedicated in providing a comfortable environment in court premises for all court users.

In this respect, a No Smoking Week campaign, first of its kind to be held by the Judiciary, will be launched this week (April 10-15).

The Honourable Chief Justice Mr Andrew Kwok-nang Li said the above today (April 10) when addressing the kick-off ceremony in the High Court to mark the launching of the campaign.

"It aims to enhance the awareness of the public as well as staff's commitment to creating a smoke-free environment for court users at all levels of courts," Mr Justice Li said.

To tie in with the theme "Respect others, no smoking", displays would be put up and new "No Smoking" signs be placed in all court buildings to remind people not to smoke in court premises, Mr Justice Li said.

"We have appointed 'No Smoking Ambassadors' for all levels of courts who will directly appeal to court users for their co-operation in refraining from smoking during the week.

"We expect, with the momentum being built up, court users would form a habit of not smoking in our court premises," the Chief Justice noted.

Mr Justice Li expressed thanks to the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, the Secretary for Justice, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Correctional Services, representatives of the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society for their support of the campaign.

"Apart from attending the ceremony, they have also conveyed our appeal to their officers, members and clients who are frequent court users to support the Judiciary's no smoking campaign and to join hands in providing a smoke-free court environment," Mr Justice Li added.

End/Monday, April 10, 2000

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