5. Tel-Law Scheme

5.1 The Tel-Law Scheme was introduced in 1984 to provide members of the public with free taped legal information by telephone. In 1995, the Tel-Law system was fully computerized and upgraded to a 24-hours automatic answering service. With the Government's support, Tel-Law in Putonghua is in service since 5th August 1999.

5.2 During the year, a complete review of the tapes was undertaken. A total of 78 tapes are accessible to the public in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. (Appendix D-1). The total number of calls received was 28,335 (Appendix D-2).

5.3 The tapes have been converted into digital format and are available on line on the Service's website. Of the 225,306 visits to the website, many were apparently there to view and listen to multiple items of the Tel-Law data base. The website recorded 457,951 hits for viewing the scripts and listening to the tapes during the year, an increase from 337,064 hits in the previous year.