4000091
P.R.H. 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT
INFORMATION SERVICES
DAILY INFORMATION
BULLETIN
Wednesday, November 3, 1971
USAGE OF CANTONESE IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Standing Orders Amended
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64
The Standing Orders of the Legislative Council have been changed
to allow members to address the Council in either English or Cantonese.
A resolution adopted by the Council at today's meeting makes
this important change among other procedural improvements.
Moving the resolution, the Hon. Attorney General, Mr. D.T.E. Roberts,
said: "This follows the acceptance by the Government of the recommendation
to this effect of the Chinese Language Committee."
This new provision would be brought into effect by means of a
notice in the Government Gazette, though he could not say when the necessary
simultaneous interpretation facilities would be available to make the use
of Cantonese in the Council possible, he added.
Meanwhile, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council has
approved funds for the provision of booths for simultaneous interpretation
in the Council chambers.
Work on the required alterations is expected to begin shortly
and be completed early next year.
An approach is being made to Finance Committee for the creation
of a new post of Chief Interpreter. If approved, the person appointed will
play a key role in providing simultaneous interpretation at Council Meetings.
In addition, the purchase of suitable equipment is being considered.
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