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CHAPTER IV
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
ANNEX C
The role and functions of the Legislative Council
The primary function of the Legislative Council
is the enactment of legislation, including legislation
for the appropriation of public funds. Members of the
Legislative Council who are not officials question the
Administration on public issues for which it is
responsible and debate questions of policy. They are
also involved in advising on the formulation of
government policies through participation in advisory
committees, specialist panels and by
commenting on draft bills and policy documents.
studying and
2.
There are two Standing Committees of the
the Finance Committee and the
Legislative Council
Public
Accounts Committee. The Finance Committee is
chaired by the Chief Secretary and includes all members
of the Council who are not officials. It is responsible
scrutinizing public expenditure and approving the
financial implications of new policies and programmes.
for
It has two Sub-committees
the Establishment Sub-committee is responsible
for making recommendations
the creation of
new ranks in the public service, changes to
salary scales and the creation of new posts in
the most
senior
Administration;
(Directorate)
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ranks of the