CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE TO HONG KONG
JUNE 1969
Background Note
CONSTITUTION
Hong Kong is administered by the Governor, assisted by entirely
nominated Executive and Legislative Councils, over both of which the
Governor presides.
The Executive Council consists at the present time of five ex
officio members and one official member, together with eight unoffi-
cial members. The Governor is required to consult with the Executive
Council save where matters are unimportant or too urgent. He may act
contrary to the advice given by the Council but in such cases must
report fully to the Secretary of State.
The Legislative Council consists of twelve official and thirteen
unofficial members (all nominated). The Governor, as President, has
an original and a casting vote. One of the unofficials is nominated
by the Justices of the Peace and one by the Hong Kong Chamber of
Commerce.
The power to legislate rests with the Governor "by and with the
advice and consent of the Legislative Council". There are the usual
reservations to the Crown of the power of disallowance and of the
power to legislate by Order in Council for the peace, order and good
Government of the Colony.
Constitutional Reform
Constitutional reform in Hong Kong was considered after the war
but was not implemented, partly because of the unsettled conditions
Co
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