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and the supplementary provision of funds. It has two sub-committees,
the Public Works Sub-committee and the Establishment Sub-Committee.
The Public Works Sub-committee is responsible for reviewing the progress
and priority of projects in the Public Works Programme. The Establishment
Sub-committee is responsible for examining staff requests, though some
of the routine 'functions of this Sub-committee have now been delegated,
subject to certain safeguards, to heads of government departments.
Public Accounts Committee was established by resolution of the
Legislative Council in May 1978. The committee consists of a chairman
and six members, all of whom are unofficial members of the council.
Its task is to consider reports of the Director of Audit on the
Government's annual accounts, on other accounts required to be laid
before the Legislative Council, and on any matter incidental to the
performance of the director's duties. The main aim of the committee
is to establish the circumstances surrounding the matters reported on
by the Director of Audit and to consider if any remedial action is
necessary.
4.
The Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative
Councils (UMELCO) play a significant role in the administration of
Hong Kong. They assist in the shaping of government policies, enact
legislation and bring about improvements in public administration.
The unofficial members are leading representatives of the community
and are knowledgeable in many aspects of both local and international
affairs. In addition to membership of the two councils they serve
individually throughout the extensive network of government and
community committees and boards that are so important in Hong Kong.