Alexa
1
SECRET 高度機密
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7.
The presence of Official members in the Legislative Council (whether or not they are also in the Executive Council) also provides a channel for close communication between the government and the Legislative Council, both formal and informal. Officials introduce legislation and answer questions on draft legislation, on policy and on the work of the Administration during question time, which is an important part of the proceedings of the Legislative Council in the eyes of the public.
8.
The introduction of elected members into the Legislative Council has not reduced the advantages of the present system to both Councils. Although the Council's increased membership has increased the amount of time required for questions and debates, a considerable amount of legislation has been passed in the 1985-86 session, as in previous sessions, with little dissent; the budget has been approved; and select committees on controversial issues have produced reports containing proposals largely acceptable to the government.
9.
It is not the case, as is sometimes stated, that the system depends on the presence of appointed members whose loyalty is bound to the government on all issues. Its success arises from the fact that it is the constant objective of the government to seek, with the advice of all members of both Councils, a consensus acceptable to the community at large on all major issues of policy before introducing policies or draft legislation for formal endorsement. It has nevertheless happened on more than one occasion in past years that the Government has withdrawn major proposals because on presentation it became obvious that they could not obtain the necessary degree of support in the Legislative Council or among the community generally. Amendments, often substantial, were and are often required to draft legislation, before the Legislative Council finally endorses the legislation, or the Finance Committee provides the funds. It is not an uncritical commitment to government policy on the part of appointed members which makes the system work. It is the flexibility of the system itself and the opportunity which it provides for a consensus to be reached.
10.
If, in the future system of government after 1997, the advantages of the present system in terms of efficiency and of producing legislation acceptable within the community are to be preserved, then a close relationship between the two Councils on the present lines and with an element of common membership will also need to be preserved. It is very unlikely that these advantages could be retained if there were a complete separation of the membership of the two Councils.
G.F. 316
SECRET 高度機密