BACKGROUND NOTE
PROPOSAL FOR A HONG KONG ' OMBUDSMAN'
1. There is already a thorough system of investigating complaints
of maladministration in Hong Kong. The Office of the Unofficial
Members of the Legislative and Executive Council (UMELCO) includes
a complaints division which deals with hundreds of cases each year.
In this respect, Unofficials have access to Government papers and
Officials. If necessary, issues can be referred to the Executive and
Legislative Councils. UMELCO also monitor the handling of complaints
against the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the
work of the Complaints Against the Police Office (CAPO).
2. In the Urban area, UMELCO's work is supplemented by the work of
the City District Officers who liaise between the Government and the
community. In addition, outspoken Urban Councillors like Mrs E Elliott
have been effective in obtaining investigations into complaints.
Hong Kong and General Department
24 March 1981