- 2
(c)
(a)
(e)
(f)
7.
1
The judges of the Supreme Court would then delegate these powers to an Inn of Court to be established in Hong Kong, with its constitution and functions modelled on those of the four Inns of Court in London..
The Hong Kong Inn of Court (which might be known as "The Queen's Inn", if permission for this could be obtained) would
its functions and objects and would empower the Inn to make regulations governing the admission of barristers to practise in Hong Kong, their professional conduct, and the procedure for disciplinary proceedings.
The governing body of this Inn would consist of the Chief Justice, Supreme Court judges, some of the Queen's Counsel resident in Hong Kong and the Attorney General.
The Inn of Court would also be empowered to concern itself with other problems of legitimate interest to the legal profession in Hong Kong, for example, legal education and law reform. The Inn might well, in due course, wish to acquire buildings, for use as Chambers, or for a common room, a dining hall or a library.
It would be possible to achieve these objects by establishing the proposed Inn as a body corporate by local Ordinance. However, I consider that it would not be inappropriate for the Inn to be given the dignity and status which would follow from the granting of a Royal Charter, if this can be considered.
8.
I would be grateful if you would indicate whether Her Majesty would be likely to be willing to grant a Royal Charter if a petition were to be submitted to her. If you consider that a petition would be favourably received, then one would be submitted in appropriate form, signed by the Chief Justice, the Judges, the Attorney General and Queen's Counsel practising in Hong Kong.
9. I should be grateful for general views on the se proposals and those of the Lord Chancellor if you think it appropriate to consult him. The Attorney General will be on leave from about the middle of July until the middle of August and will be available to discuss the matter with your Legal Advisers, if desired, when he visits the F.C.O. at that time.
APA/aw
c.c. Hon. A.G. Regr., S.C.