SECRET
Government of Hong Kong has had to convince those over whom it
exercised authority that it was doing so in the best interests of
the community as a whole. If it had not been able to do so, Hong
Kong would not have developed as successfully as it has.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
7.
The Executive Council consists of four ex-officio members
the Chief Secretary, the Commander British Forces, the Financial
Secretary and the Attorney General and an unspecified number of
appointed members (at present 8 Unofficials and 2 Officials) who are
-
apointed by the Governor under the authority of the Queen.
Appointed members hold office for fixed periods. There is a clear unofficial majority. The Council advises the Governor, who is in
general required by the Royal Instructions to consult it on
important matters of policy, but not for example on the right of the
Attorney General to decide on prosecution. The 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
it is introduced into the Legislative
Council, and it is responsible for making subsidiary legislation
under a number of ordinances.
8.
Governor
it is the prerogative of the
Under the Royal Instructions
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 entered in the minutes of the
Council, should the member so desire. If the Governor decides to
act against the advice of the majority of members, he is required to
report his reasons to the Secretary of State. In practice, the
Governor has not declined to accept the advice of Council within
living memory: nor is there dispute over the agenda.
9.
Members tender their advice individually, but the Council's
conclusions are presented as corporate decisions. No members has individual responsibility for given subjects or portfolios (except for the ex-officio and official members in their particular areas of responsibility).
SECRET