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"But if the legal services do not meet the needs of the consumer, or if they are too expensive, or inefficient, the community may lose faith not only in the legal profession but in our legal system. That is not a development we wish to see," he said.

"As Hong Kong prepares to enter into the 21st century, we must be sure that the legal services available are the best that can be provided in this dynamic, international city," he added.

Mr Mathews said there were many aspects of professional practice that were obsolete or obsolescent and had been abandoned elsewhere; many restrictions on the ways in which legal services might be offered; and many practices that were non-competitive and might not be in the public interest.

"However, we are interested in

in soliciting views. The recommendations we make are by no means cast in stone. We need public feedback. I hope the paper will provoke debate, not just amongst lawyers, but in the community at large on issues that go to the heart of our legal system," Mr Mathews said.

He noted that the consultation period would end on June 30 this year and called on members of the public and lawyers to express their views before then.

All written submissions should be sent to the Attorney General, Legal Department, 4th floor, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, or transmitted by facsimile to the Attorney General on 2869 0720.

"Anyone who wishes to study the consultation paper in detail can obtain a copy, in either English or Chinese, from the District Offices or the Legal Department from next Monday," Mr Mathews said.

On the structure and practices of the legal profession, Mr Mathews said the paper had covered and made recommendations in respect of the rights of audience of solicitors, access to counsel, attendance on counsel, and the two-counsel rule.