The Judiciary will do its best to cope with any problems arising from budget cuts in the coming years.

This was the message today from Chief Justice Andrew Li who said "the quality of justice must not be compromised".

Mr Li has forwarded the Judiciary's view to the Chief Executive, that the recommendations of Sir Anthony Mason's Consultancy Report should be adopted as the appropriate system for the determination of judicial remuneration in Hong Kong.

"The Judiciary's proposal is not concerned with actual levels and amounts of remuneration but deals with the appropriate system for the determination of judicial remuneration," Mr Li said.

"It is based on the principle of judicial independence. It takes into account the experience of, and is consistent with, the widely accepted position in numerous common law jurisdictions."

He said the Judiciary is aware of the budgetary difficulties facing Hong Kong.

"[But] assuming the administration accepts the Judiciary's proposal, it would be inappropriate for it to circumvent the statutory prohibition by a further cut in the Judiciary's budget," he added.

Mr Li said a further cut in the Judiciary's funds would adversely affect the courts' proper functioning.

Last May, the Judiciary commissioned Sir Anthony to undertake a consultancy study to recommend a system for the determination of judicial remuneration in Hong Kong.