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3.
The powers of H.M.G. also extend to public service
appointments including appointed members of the Legislative
Council, but it is rare for the Secretary of State not to
accept proposals put forward by the Governor.
4.
In practice, H.M.G. exercises its powers only in
relation to matters with an international connotation.
The Governor
5.
The constitutional powers of the Governor are
extensive, virtually absolute within the jurisdiction of
Hong Kong. This is necessary in order to achieve the
ultimate subordination of the Colony to H.M.G. in London.
However, in the same way that H.M.G. by convention does not
exercise its full powers with regard to the governance of
Hong Kong, the Governor by convention does not exercise his
absolute power within Hong Kong. For example, Clause XVIII
of the Letters Patent orders all officers to be obedient to
the Governor, but following U.K. practice, the Attorney
General determines whether or not to initiate a prosecution
in criminal cases, and the Governor will not interfere with
that discretion. Similarly, the Governor is "advised" by
the Public Service Commission on the exercise of his powers
in regard to the Public Service, but he very rarely declines
their recommendations.
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