TNAG-0112-FCO40-148-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1969 — Page 176

APPENDIX “F”

S. V. Gittins Esq., Q.C.,

9th December, 1967.

The Chairman,

Hong Kong Bar Association,

c/o 218 Marina House, HONG KONG.

Dear Chairman,

I refer to your letter of November 15th.

I note that the Committee is concerned about the possible delay which would result from the appointment of a working party but would it not be worthwhile accepting some delay in order to ensure that the matter is fully and thoroughly examined. Since the working party would not, in itself, make executive decisions but would be primarily designed to analyse, present and advise on, the views of those particularly concerned with this problem, I would not have thought that the numerical weighting in the party was of great importance, so long as it could be ensured that all con- cerned were heard; but I would certainly be very ready to reconsider the proposed constitution if you wish, and would see no objection to having two representatives from the Bar and also two from the Law Society if that is thought prefer- able.

I could not, I am afraid, accept your suggestion that the Judiciary should participate in the way you suggest in a form of arbitration.

Your reference to undertaking cases now at fees fixed in 1952, is not, I would suggest, entirely correct.

The

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