Hong Kong should consider setting up a British-style Citizens' Advice Bureau to provide free legal services for people in need, a forum on civil justice heard yesterday.
Independent lawmaker Audrey Eu Yuet-mee, made the suggestion during an Access to Justice forum organised by the British Council and sponsored by the British consulate-general.
The forum was attended by legal experts from Britain and Hong Kong.
Ms Eu said many people in Hong Kong were willing to offer their legal knowledge voluntarily. But she said: 'What we really need is resources, the organisation, and for that, you need an administrative ... Somebody has to administer the system.'
She suggested that Hong Kong should set up an organised bureau similar to the British one that would provide a one-stop-shop service to those in need.
Alison Hannah, director of the Legal Action Group, said the Citizens' Advice Bureau was originally set up to provide a free service after the second world war.