XN000022-1996-11-29 — Page 13

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"This move will enable Chinese-speaking appellants to present his grounds of appeal, communicate directly with the judge and dispense with the need for interpretation," the spokesman said.

"In appropriate cases, this will speed up proceedings and save court time.

"In cases involving non-Chinese speakers or difficult points of law, the appeal will not normally be conducted in Chinese," he said.

The spokesman urged the public to bear in mind the difference between being able to speak Chinese in court and being able to present legal arguments in court.

"For cases involving complex legal principles or a mixture of both facts and law, it is important that appellants seek and act on professional legal advice.

"The guiding consideration in the choice of languages in any case must be to ensure the just and expeditious disposal of that case," he said.

"The Judiciary is committed to enabling Chinese to be used in all courts by July 1, 1997. This is an important step towards achieving that goal," the spokesman said.

It is expected that the first appeal or application for leave to appeal will be heard in the High Court in Chinese in early 1997.

End

Higher minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers

The Government today (Friday) announced an increase in the minimum wage for the employment of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

Employment contracts notarised by relevant consulates on or after 1 December (Sunday) must indicate a wage not less than $3,860 per month prior to submission to Immigration Department for processing. The current minimum wage is $3,750.

A Government spokesman said the level of wage increase of $110 per month has taken into account the wage movement of local workers in comparable sectors and other relevant factors.