14
Other practices and conventions
51
A list of practices and conventions not covered by the Standing Orders but currently observed in Legislative Council is at Appendix IV for reference.
52
The Working Group recommends against the practice of speecheз being delivered by a member on behalf of another member. This is not allowed in the House of Commons, and
it runs contrary to the basic principle of debate, the 'development and alteration of views in discussion. This should not, however, prejudice the right of members to have a question for which he has given notice asked in his absence as expressly permitted under S.0. 19(6).
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The term "Unofficial Member"
53
It has been suggested to the Working Group that confusion about the role of the Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council arises from their designation as "Unofficials". There is no difficulty regarding the Chinese title of "Unofficials", 非眞守議 However,
1
}
the English term "Unofficial" is not meaningful and is widely misunderstood, particularly overseas. The Working Group examined the position and a proposal that the present "Official" and "Unofficial" categories of membership be re-designated "Official Members" and "Members" respectively. However, it is noted that the term "Unofficial Member" is laid down in the Royal Instructions and it is recommended that the point be given further consideration when the Royal Instructions and Letters Patent are next amended.
Minor amendments to Standing Orders
ts to Standing Orders
54.
The following is a list of recommended minor amendments to Standing Orders not covered in the foregoing paragraphs of this Report
(a) s:0. 4(2) to (8) Duties of the Clerk
..
S.0.4(3) to (8) to be renumbered 4(2) to
•
(7) at the next re-print as a result of the deletion of sub-clause 4(2);
(b) $.0. 10(1) - Quorum
The quorum to be revised to 20 in the light of the increased membership of the whole Council, at an appropriate time when Royal Instruction No. XIX which also specifies the quorum has been duly amended;
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}