10
The procedure in Legislative Council allowS
for public debates and questions. There are two regular major debates each year: a debate on financial/economic matters in February or March during the second reading of the Appropriation Bill, and a wider ranging debate on government policy in general, in response to the Governor's address, at the opening of each new session of Council.
addition, questions on matters of topical public interest
or on aspects of government policy are asked at almost every
meeting of the Council.
In
The Legislative Council meets in public normally
once a fortnight through the year, except for a six week
recess in August October. Either Chinese or English may
be used for its business. Members of the Council, and the
public, may follow the proceedings in either language as
simultaneous interpretation facilities are provided.
The Urban Council
The Urban Council is a corporate body with its
own ordinance and is responsible for managing its own finances.
It is the only one of the three councils, which participate
in the business of government in Hong Kong, to consist solely
of members of the public and with an elected element.
Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected from among its 24 m bers,
twelve appointed by the Governor and twelve elected by the
public.
The
The franchise for Urban Council voters requires a
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