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Executive Council
6.
The Executive Council at present consists of four
ex- officio members - the Chief Secretary, the Commander
British Forces, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney
General, and 12 appointed members (10 Unofficial, 2 Official)
who are appointed by the Governor on the instructions of the
Secretary of State. Appointed members hold office for
fixed periods.
There is thus a clear Unofficial majority.
Council advises the Governor, who is required by the Royal
Instructions to consult it on all important matters of
policy, other than those which are too urgent to arrange
consultation with it, in which case the Governor must explain
The
to it as soon as possible what action has taken.
Council's advice on matters of policy involving the
expenditure of public funds is subject to the approval of
the necessary funds by the Finance Committee of the Legislative
Council. The Council advises upon all principal legislation
before it is introduced into the Legislative Council, and it
is responsible for making subsidiary legislation (regulations)
under a number of Ordinances.
7.
Under the Royal Instructions it is the prerogative of
the Governor to decide what matters should be put before the
Council. Should a member request the discussion of a
specific matter and should the Governor refuse his permission,
then a record of both the request and the refusal must be
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