10.
associations and would necessarily raise again the issue as to whether foreign law firms should be able to practise Hong Kong law, given that the accreditation scheme would enable legal staff of such firms to become Hong Kong solicitors.
GATT/GATS negotiations
These negotiations, which have been stalled for sometime but which are expected to restart in the relatively near future, will undoubtedly have an effect on the provision of legal services in Hong Kong and will raise afresh the issues raised by Government in its 1988 and 1989 proposals. The Committee is of the view that an opportunity exists for the Law Society to the initiative in developing proposals with respect to the provision of legal services in Hong Kong which are likely to be consistent with the GATT/GATS
take
objectives.
Consultation Paper
although one of
This provoked 16 written responses, these represented the views of 13 U.S. firms. A summary of the main points made and the Committee's views on them are contained in the Annexure to this report. Each response has been carefully considered by the Committee and where thought appropriate changes have been made to the form of the proposals set out in the consultation paper. These changes are highlighted in this report by underlining to show additions and an "" to show a deletion.
In
order effectively to deal with the matters under its remit, the Committee undertook a wholesale review of all the issues involved, including a review of the issues raised by Government's 1988 and 1989 proposals.
4