Chinese Language Committee's Reports
Position at 24th November 1971
74/2
First Report
The Chinese Language Committee submitted its First Report to the Governor in February 1971 and this was accepted in principle by the Governor in Council in May. This report recommended that, as a first stage, simultaneous interpretation facilities should be introduced into the Legislative and Urban Councils for the benefit of the public and those Members who may prefer to speak in Cantonese at public meetings although they are capable of comprehending papers written in English and taking an active part in closed sessions conducted in English. The Committee recommended that at a later stage, simultaneous interpretation facilities should be such as to enable non-English speaking members to serve on these Councils. The Committee also made similar recommendations for the introduction of simultaneous interpretation facilities into official boards and committees.
2.
On 11th June 1971, advertisements were inserted in the local press inviting applications from people interested in being tested and trained as simultaneous interpreters. Testing commenced in early July and in August, Mr. A.T. Pilley, a consultant simultaneous interpreter was engaged from the United Kingdom to select and train suitable candidates. Three potential candidates were found in Hong Kong and one in London; together it is hoped that these four will form the nucleus of a team of simultaneous interpreters to implement the first stage of the Committee's recommendations.
3.
It is intended to offer the candidate in London a full-time job and to engage the three local candidates on a part-time basis. Public reaction to the recruiting exercise was generally favourable and help to bring home the point that Government was sincere in its determi- nation to implement the Chinese Language Committee's recommendations.
4.
On 3rd November 1971, an amendment was made to the Standing Orders of the Legislative Council to enable Members to address the Council in either English or Cantonese from a date to be decided later. An amendment of the law will also be necessary to enable the proceedings of the Urban Council to be conducted in English and/or Cantonese and the details of this are being worked out.
5.
Action is also in hand to construct interpreters' booths in both Council Chambers and to purchase suitable equipment for installation.
6.
It is not possible at this stage to set a definite date for the commencement of simultaneous interpretation in the two Councils. A period of trial and experimentation will be necessary and a conser- vative estimate would be that the system will be operational by mid- 1972 by which time, the simultaneous interpreters themselves, the booths and equipment should all be ready.
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/Second
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