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years. The Governor is constitutionally required to consult the Executive Council except for matters too unimportant or too urgent to obtain their advice. He may act in opposition to the advise given by the Executive Council, but if he does so he must report the grounds and reasons for his action to HMG.
5. The Governor legislates by and with the advice and consent of "a Legislative Council" (known as LegCo) of 29 members comprising 4 of the ex-officio members of the Executive Council (the Commander of the British Forces is not a member), 10 other officials and 15 unofficials The official and unofficial members are appointed by the Governor with the consent of HMG. Questions before the Legislative Council are decided by a majority of votes. The Governor has both an origimal and casting vote which in effect means that the Government has an 'official' majority in the Council.
6. In order to conclude a Defence Costs Agreement with HMG, the Governor is obliged in the normal course to submit the proposed agree- ment to the Executive Council and thereafter to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council. Finally, the proposal is voted on by the Legislative Council as a whole.
7. If necessary, there are in theory three procedures which I my follow to impose a Defence Agreement on Hong Kong:-
(a)
By the use of the offici al majority in the Legislativo Council. This would involve referring the proposal to the Executive Council; acting contrary to their advice, reporting accordingly to HMG and seeking ito concurrence; and subsequently using the Governor's vote to force the measure through the Legislative Council.
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(b) By the use of liong Kong Legislative Council Standing Opkop No 58. This would enable the necessary funds to be voled by using the official majority in Committee of the whole. Council; but a Supplementary Appropriation Bill would subsequently be required and although the Bill would not. in these circumstances, require reference to the ExCOSA. Council it would give rise to public debate in the L Council for a second time.
/(c) By Orden
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