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former prisoners of war.
Until now, this function has been largely carried out by ad hoc groups of members of LegCo: and in part by the Unofficial members of Executive and Legislative Councils (UMELCO) (see paragraph 19). An increasing number of select committees may be expected in future.
the
(i) As distinct from their activities qua UMELCO,
Unofficial members of LegCo have formed ad hoc
the groups to study current policy issues such as Broadcasting Review Board Report, the White Paper on the draft Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order, the Green Paper on housing subsidy tenants of public housing and similar subjects.
Unofficial Members of Executive and Legislative Councils
(UMELCO)
18.
Activities
to
The Unofficial members of both Councils (UMELCO) have for many years functioned as an entity. They have, in the Legislative Council building, their own offices and staff,
to assist
in studying courses of
of action proposed by the Government and in receiving representations from public groups and members of the public.
them
19.
UMELCO has
for the
1985
Session formed 21 panels,
which meet regularly with senior civil
programme
such areas,
as education,
welfare, the civil service, housing, transport and public relations.
servants to cover
manpower,
trade,
health,
industry,
20.
public
The new style
interest in
Legislative Council
and increasing
its activities have significantly
Members.
increased its workload and the time demanded of
The emoluments provided for
for Unofficials make it possible.
for
lower
income
people
to
be
and Members,
commit
themselves virtually full-time.
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