deal with public complaints and representations. Of the new complaints received, 103 were from delegations or groups claiming representative status. This is a sharp increase over the number of group complaints received in previous years. Unlike individual grievances which form the bulk of complaints, group delegations usually question broad principles of government policy and consequential decisions. Such policies or decisions often concern a large number of people or, when implemented, have wide implications for various sectors of the community. Representations of this nature invariably attract intense media attention, and the hearing and examination of group complaints during the year imposed considerable pressure on the resources of the Office.
Some typical complaint cases handled by the UMELCO Office are reported at Appendix XIV.
In the light of constitutional changes impending in Hong Kong, UMELCO decided in July 1985 to review the UMELCO Redress System in the light of other channels of redress available in Hong Kong. An Ad Hoc Group under the convenership of Mr O V CHEUNG was set up to examine, inter alia, whether the UMELCO Redress System should continue to operate and whether additional channels for the investigation and redress of maladministration should be established. The report of the Ad Hoc group was later considered by UMELCO and a number of recommendations have been put to the Administration for consideration.
UMELCO Office
The UMELCO Office was established in August 1963 to provide support to Unofficial Members. Until October 1985 all units were located on the 12th floor of Swire House in the Central District. However in October the Office, with the exception of the Complaints Division which remained in Swire House, moved to the renovated old Supreme Court, now named the Legislative Council Building, at No. 8 Jackson Road. Although financed under the Government Estimates, the UMELCO Office is not a Government department.
The UMELCO Office is headed by the Secretary General, who is
responsible to the Senior Members of the two Councils for the work of the Office. It comprises a Members' Division, a Complaints Division and an Administration and Support Division. In view of the impending enlargement of the Legislative Council and the consequential increase in workload, the establishment of the office was increased from 76 to 135 in September 1985.
To ensure there is sufficient experience and understanding of Government procedures and policies in the Office, some of the staff are seconded Government officers. Other members of the staff are employed directly by UMELCO. An organisation chart showing the establishment and deployment of posts in the UMELCO Office is at Appendix XIII.
The Members' Division assists Members in all their official activities arising from the two Councils, except those concerned with the handling of public complaints. Its staff arrange and attend all in-house meetings of Members. They carry out research, prepare papers, keep minutes and take follow-up actions arising from meetings. They also undertake studies of draft legislation and help organise and participate in all UMELCO visits. Representations by public bodies and other interest groups on draft legislation or other public business are also handled by the Members' Division.
A Special Duties Division was established in July 1984 to assist and service the work of Members connected with the future of Hong Kong. With the signing of the Sino- British Joint Declaration in December 1984, the Division was absorbed into the Members' Division in May 1985.
The Complaints Division supports Members in the operation of the UMELCO Redress System. It remains in Swire House and receives complaints from the public from 8.30 am to 6 pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 8.30 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Its staff interview complainants, research cases and prepare reports, and conduct all correspondence arising from complaints.
The Administration and Support Division provides general office services and looks after the housekeeping functions of the UMELCO Office. It consists of a number of units. The Information Unit provides press and public relations
support to UMELCO Members and maintains liaison with the media on all matters connected with the work of the UMELCO. The Interpretation/Translation Unit handles the translation of all LegCo questions and speeches, all papers originating from UMELCO and other documents as may be required. The Departmental Section provides general office services and looks after housekeeping functions.
A Legal Adviser was appointed in October 1985 to scrutinise on behalf of Members, all Bills and subsidiary legislation coming before the Legislative Council. The Legal Adviser works closely with Members and provides advice and guidance, as required, and assists with the preparation of amendments and/or additions to legislation.
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