2
1.4
The Governor is advised by an Executive Council (known as "EXCO") of 15 members, comprising:
(a)
(b)
5 cx-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the Commander British Forces, the Financial Secretary,
the Attorney-General, the Secretary for Home Affairs;
10 other members appointed by the Governor who may be either Official (ie, members of the Hong Kong
Government) or Unofficial.
The Governor is required to consult EXCO on major issues of public policy. He is not obliged to accept the advice he receives, but if he does not he must report his reasons to HMG.
1.5 The Governor legislates with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council (known as "LEGCO") comprising:
(a)
(b)
4 ex-official members (the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary, the Attorney-General and the
Secretary for Home Affairs); and
a further 18 Official members and 27 Unofficial
members nominated by the Governor.
The Governor has not acted against the views of LEGCO for many years. In the unlikely event that he should need to do so, he can appoint, on instructions from the Foreign and Commonwealth
Secretary, extra Official members to the Council. The Finance Committee of LEGCO considers all proposals involving expenditure from public funds. A Public Accounts Committee considers the annual report of the Director of Audit and reports to the
Governor.
/1.6