XN000022-1995-01-18 — Page 47

- 31.

-

(b)

(c)

(d)

The amount of money allocated to the Judiciary for employing part-time interpreters in the current financial year is $4.63 million. This is likely to be inadequate because of an unexpected increase in demand for foreign language interpreters. To quote an example, there was a recent 398-day trial which required interpretation for a significant number of Vietnamese-speaking witnesses.

The current rate of remuneration of part-time court interpreters engaged by the Judiciary is the same as that applicable to other non-government interpreters engaged by government departments. The Judiciary's rate is determined by reference to the market rate, although the two rates are not strictly comparable, as the market rate also cover elements like overheads, profit margin, etc which are not applicable in the case of the Judiciary's rate. The method of calculating the remuneration of part- time interpreters employed by tribunals under the Administration follows that adopted by the Judiciary. Special rates may be paid in some particular cases heard by these tribunals, having regard to their complexity and technical nature.

The rate of remuneration of part-time interpreters is reviewed every two years. A review is currently being conducted. The Judiciary is also reviewing the feasibility of engaging staff on a contract basis for the provision of foreign language interpretation which has become increasingly common in the courts, such as Tagalog interpretation.

End/Wednesday, January 18, 1995

Role of Securities Clearing Company

Following is a question by the Hon Chim Pui-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services, Mr Michael Cartland, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a)

it is aware of the organisational structure of the clearing house operating under the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; if so, what the organisational structure is; and