LOCAL crown counsel have accused the Government of creating obstacles to a smooth transition to the future Special Administrative Region (SAR) government by allowing overseas officers to switch to local terms.

The Local Crown Counsel Association yesterday claimed the change in policy was equivalent to enabling expatriates on contract terms to stay on, possibly after 1997, while there was an abundant supply of competent local officers.

The association said the decision shattered the confidence of local civil servants, especially local crown counsel who would be hesitant to stay in the Legal Department.