IN CONFIDENCE
obligatory and a clause (13) has been added, the effect of which is to regulate all proceedings by the UK Matrimonial Causes Rules 1968 which apply to Hong Kong by virtue of Section 10 of the Hong Kong
Matrimonial Causes Ordinance.
5.
As from 1 January, 1971 England will have a completely different
divorce law. This will mean that the Matrimonial Causes Rules 1968
will have to be completely rewritten necessitating consequent changes
to the Hong Kong law. Consideration has been given to deferring the
making of the present Rules which will no longer be appropriate after 1 January, 1971. However, the Chief Justice, Hong Kong, is of the
opinion that it would nevertheless be useful to have the benefit of
the new Rules and the Lord Chancellor's Department is prepared to
advise that the Rules be made.
6. The departmental legal adviser (Mr. Rushford) concurs in this submission, a copy of which is being sent to the Lord Chancellor's
Office.
16 December, 1969
(v. S. Carter) Hong Kong Department
Copy to:
Sir L. Monson (without enclosure)
?
Mr. Godden (without enclosure)
IN CONFIDENCE
;