this power.
practice, no post-war British Government has exercised
English common law and the rules of equity are in force in Hong
Kong, extended and modified
as necessary by local legislation.
4. The Governor is advised by
an Executive Council (known as
"EXCO") which currently consists of 15 members:
(a) 4 ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the Commander British
Forces, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney-General); and
(b) 11 other members appointed by the Governor, of whom 2 are
Official (ie, members of the Hong Kong Government) and 9 are
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.
5. The Governor legislates with the advice and consent of the
Legislative Council (known as "LEGCO") which currently consists of
4 members apart from the Governor himself:
(a) 3 ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary,
Secretary and the Attorney-General); and
the Financial
(b) a further 13 Official members and 30 Unofficial members
nominated by the Governor.
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.
6. By taking part in the process of government,
Unofficial Members
of the Executive and Legislative Councils (UMELCO) play a
significant role in the administration of Hong Kong. They advise on
the formulation of government policies, participate in the enactment
of legislation, consider complaints by members of the public against government departments and monitor the effectiveness of public