IN CONFIDENCE
1.4
The Governor is advised by an Executive Council (known as
"EXCO") of 15 members, comprising:
(a) 5 ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the Commander
British Forces, the Financial Secretary, the Attorney-
General and the Secretary for Home Affairs); and
(b)
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 all 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)
4 ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the
Financial Secretary, the Attorney-General and the
Secretary for Home Affairs); and
(b) 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, on which all Unofficial members sit, 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.
3
IN CONFIDENCE