Bill aims to increase use of mediation

A bill to regulate and promote use of mediation will be introduced in the Legislative Council by the end of the year. A single accreditation body for mediators is also expected to be set up. Simon Lee Pak-sing, deputy law officer of civil law for the Department of Justice, said the bill would define mediation and cover confidentiality and privilege. The moves are in response to a growth in the use of mediation, which is faster and cheaper than litigation. Lee said the department hopes mediation will be used more often to resolve civil disputes.