TNAG-1704-FCO40-2376-Crime-and-sentencing-in-Hong-Kong-various-ordinances-1988 — Page 4

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Some of the recommendations require an administrative response while others will need legislative action. The LAPG will monitor progress to ensure that the Report is considered in a cohesive way. Draft legislation will be put to ExCo as it becomes available.

Financial and staffing implications

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estimate the financial

range

of that the

It is not possible to implications, at this stage, of such a wide recommendations. What can be said however, is significant cost of long trials will be lessened if effective pre-trial procedures are introduced. Extra staff

staff will

will be required if it is decided that

is decided that 'in house' accountants should be employed by the police. It may also be that there will need to be an increase in

in the number of trial preparation counsel in Attorney General's Chambers to meet new requirements for summaries of evidence and case statements.

Public reaction

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The public will welcome a positive response by Government to the Select Committee Report. The fears over the abolition of jury trials in complex commercial crime cases will be allaved. There is likely to be controversy on the

for proposal

the defence to outline its case. Association is likely to oppose it.

The Bar

Publicity

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The Governor highlighted public concern over the cost and length of complex commercial trials in his opening address to the new session of LegCo. It may be that further comment is best left until tangible progress is made in implementing the recommendations.

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paper.

Members are invited to note the

contents of this

17 March 1987 (AGC1/28/1250/86C)

COUNCIL CHAMBER