These waiting times could be compared favourably with waiting times in
a great many countries although they need some attention especially in
the Magistracy.
(b) The Development of the Judiciary
7.
Delay
and
backlog have been commendably
eliminated
or
obviated. This has been done mainly by enlarging the establishment of the Judiciary (and by the use of deputy judicial officers) the strength of which has been increased as shown here :
1975/76 1985/86 % Increase
Number of
Judges of the Supreme Court
10
District Court Judges
000
29
190%
10
32
220%
Adjudicators of Small Claims Tribunal Presiding Officers of Labour Tribunal
Magistrates
5
2
7
250%
46
60
30.4%
Total Establishment Including Staff
883
1466
66.0%
8.
The total operating cost of the Judiciary in 1985/86 was $309.77 million as compared with $278.4 million for 1984/85. Operating cost figures for earlier years are not available.
A lesser calculation being expenditure for which the Judiciary is directly accountable and which forms part of the annual estimates was $24.7 million in 1975/76 and $163.2 million in 1985/86.
9.
Considerable changes of accommodation have also taken place or are in train. The Supreme Court and the Family Court are now housed in a new building in Queensway and all but the New Territories part of the District Court will soon move to a new building in Wanchai.
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