5.
(b) 10 other members appointed by the Governor. The Governor is
constitutionally required to consult Exco on all matters except those
he considers too unimportant or too urgent to warrant obtaining their
advice. He may act in opposition to the advice he receives, but if
he does so he must report his reasons to HMG.
The Governor legislates with the advice and consent of the Legislative
Council ("Legco") comprising:-
(a) The Governor;
(b) 4 Ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary,
the Attorney-General, and the Secretary for Home Affairs);
(c) 40 other members appointed by the Governor.
The Governor has not for many years sought to override the views of Legco.
6. There is also an Urban Council which is responsible for the built up
areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Kowloon (which contain about
three-quarters of the population). 12 of its members are elected (by a limited
franchise, subject to educational and property qualifications); and 12 are
appointed by the Governor from among prominent members of the community. Its
main duties are public hygiene, the control and licensing of markets, and the
provision and maintenance of recreational and cultural facilities.
7.
By far the most significant political presence is that of the Communist
Chinese. There are a number of overt Communist organisations including trade
unions with a total membership of some 200,000 and Communist schools with
some 33,000 pupils. They are tightly disciplined and controlled by the
local party organisation appointed by Peking (of which the head is the
Director of the local New China News Agency office). These organisations
have not attempted to play a direct role in Hong Kong's political affairs.
CV