The Chinese Language Committee
Colonial Secretariat, G.P.O. Box 14145,
Tel: H-95499
His Excellency, Sir David TRENCH, G.C.M.G., M.C.
Governor, Hong Kong.
Your Excellency,
2nd June, 1971.
As indicated in our First Report, we decided to examine to what extent Chinese can have equal status with English in official business under three broad aspects. This Report now deals with the third aspect, i.e. the application of equal status for both English and Chinese in court proceedings and as a language of the Law.
2. In view of the complex nature of problems relating to the use of Chinese in court proceedings and as a language of the Law, we appointed a Legal Sub-Committee to examine such problems. We submit, at Annex I, the Report of the Legal Sub-Committee. We generally endorse all the recommendations contained therein. However, in amplication of the findings of our Sub-Committee and to give an indication of the cost of its many far-reaching recom- mendations, we submit, at Annex II, our own comments.
3. We should also like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation of the efforts of the members of our Legal Sub-Committee and to acknowledge, with thanks, the contribution of foreign governments and their local consular representatives, where applicable, and all organizations and individuals who have helped us and our Legal Sub-Committee in the course of compiling this Report and its Annexes.
4. It is anticipated that our Fourth (and final) Report, which will include further recommendations within our terms of reference, will be submitted in due course.
KENNETH PING-FAN FUNG Chairman
G. M. B. SALMON
T. L. YANG
T. C. LAI
研公
布政司署
事上使用中文問題
委用
郵政總局信箱一四一四五號
究 委
員
LUK
會題
電話;H九五四九九
Annex I
Annex II
F. K. LI
M. A. B. STEVENSON
主席:馮秉芬爵士 秘書:梁定邦先生
賴恬昌先生 李福逑先生 沙魯民議員 史允信先生
楊鐵樑法官
Chairman: The Honourable Sir Kenneth Ping-fan FUNG, C.B.E., J.P. Secretary: Mr. A.F. Neoh
Mr. T.C. Lai, J.P. Mr. F.K. Li, J.P. The Honourable G.M.B. Salmon, J.P. Mr. M.A.B. Stevenson, J.P. Judge T.L. Yang