TNAG-1589-FCO40-21741-Future-of-the-judiciary-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-1-of-2-1987 — Page 105

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Justice.

It is essential that the Chief Justice delegates

responsibility and receives balanced advice.

5.

Timing is crucial. A new system should be not just installed

but smoothly operating before detailed planning for 1997 begins.

if.

it were an accepted part of the scene it would not be difficult to

extend it. If it were not in place it would be very difficult to

establish a sound one in the midst of other intensive activity about

the machinery of government.

6.

Although there appears to be plenty of time it is highly

unlikely that another comprehensive document like my Report, written

soley from the Judiciary's point of view, will be produced within the

next few years. I hope the opportunity to use it as the agenda for

future action will not be lost. That is why I am writing all this to

you.

7. The Chief Justice told me he welcomed and intended to

implement most of my recommendations.

Before I left HK he had made a

start but I do not feel there is enough collective will-power in the

Judiciary to bring about the necessary reforms for the following

reasons:

(1) some judicial officers, whether Chinese or expatriate are

naturally more concerned about their own futures;

(2) HK laisser faire is still strong;

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