CONFIDENTIAL
ANNEX C to BRIEF NO 15
PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION
(OMBUDSMAN)
1. There is a body of opinion in Hong Kong, including the local
branch of JUSTICE (International Commission of Jurists) which
favours the appointment of an Ombudsman and the matter had been
a subject of press and other comment in the Colony during the
past three or four years. It has also been the subject of
occasional Parliamentary interest here, although the issue is
dormant at present.
2. It is, however, evident that among Unofficial Members of
the Executive and Legislative Councils there is a substantial
body of opinion which doubts whether an Ombudsman is necessary or
whether such an appointment could make for any improvement in the
facilities already available in that field.
3.
Facilities already exist in Hong Kong to enable members of
the public to make their views and grievances known to the
authorities and to seek redress. In addition to the normal right
to petition the Governor and/or the Secretary of State these
facilities include:-
(a) The office of the Unofficial Members of
the Executive and Legislative Councils
(UMELCO)
This is an office through which members of the public
can bring their views and complaints to the notice
of Unofficial Members of the two Councils. The
machinery of this office had been steadily strengthened
and expanded in recent months. It is supervised by an
/expatriate
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CONFIDENTIAL