TNAG-1466-FCO40-1993-Visits-by-Sir-Edward-Youde--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-the-UK-1986 — Page 62

CONFIDENTIAL

interference

a

in the appointment of judges that much easier after 1997. I do not support either of these proposals. Το establish

majority of

of judges on the Commission would change its character fundamentally and I do not think that the removal of the AG from the JSC after 1997 would inhibit Executive interference i f

the SAR

intent were

on it.

Government

The JSC Secretariat i s presently

provided by the Registrar's Office, but I would like to see i t strengthened by the addition of some administrators.

OTHER MEASURES TO IMPROVE LOCALISATION

8.

training,

whether we

We are presently considering a variety of schemes to improve the supply of local judicial officers, eg a scheme whereby trainee

judicial officers would enter the magistracy from university and

undertake a years

allow could

selected

appointees to return to the

the private sector after a period in the judiciary (on the Singapore and United States model): and special

selection and better training through overseas studies of senior

magistrates and senior District Court judges.

9.

I have discussed these suggestions with the Chief Justice. His views and mine are generally in accord except on the JSC, and on

"bunching", which he sees as less of a problem than I do.

10. My aim is not to commit the Secretary of State to decisions:

but to warn him of the controversial issues: and get his agreement

to my drawing up with the Chief Justice a structural plan for the

future of the judiciary which would address all the

issues set ou t

above.

CONFIDENTIAL