XN000022-1996-11-29 — Page 12

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JLG experts to hold talks on defence and public order

The 21st round of expert talks in the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG) on Hong Kong's defence and public order will take place in Hong Kong on Monday (December 2, 1996).

The British side will be led by British Representative, Mr Alan Paul. The Chinese side will be led by Chinese Representative, Mr Chen Zuo'er. They will be assisted by experts of the two sides.

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Chinese language allowed in the High Court from December

The acting Chief Justice, Mr N P Power, has designated December 1, 1996 as the date on which the High Court may use either Chinese or English in the hearing of appeals from the magistrates' courts, the Labour Tribunal and the Small Claims Tribunal.

The same applies to applications for leave to appeal from the Labour and Small Claims Tribunals.

The Official Languages (Transitional Arrangements) Notice under section 6(1) of the Official Languages Ordinance was published in today's (Friday) Government Gazette.

"The objective is to put in place a bilingual system that would allow suitable cases to be heard in Chinese or English," a spokesman for the Judiciary said.

"From December 1, an appellant in an appeal from the magistrates' courts, the Labour Tribunal and the Small Claims Tribunal can indicate the official language in which he wishes his appeal to be conducted.

"In each case, the judge has the discretion to decide which official language to be used with the aim to ensure the just and expeditious disposal of the case," he said.

Hitherto English has been the only official language in the High Court. Interpreters have to be used even when every person in court speaks or understands Chinese.