17.
CONFIDENTIAL
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The Film Censorship Bill passed in May 1988 was a good example. The inclusion of provisions for political censorship (a long standing practice in Hong Kong for obvious reasons) was potentially very divisive. The Bill could have provided a field day for damaging attacks on the Government, locally and internationally. During discussion with the ad hoc group, amendments were accepted by the administration which satisfied most members of LegCo but left the essential powers of censorship intact. At the final stage, some three or four members voted against the Bill. But the lengthy period of discussion, and the acceptance of a number of changes by the administration, took the heat out of the subject. The final negative votes by a predictable minority produced little public interest or comment.
18.
In this evolving system a great burden of responsibility falls on the Senior Member. This is a position which has no place in Hong Kong's various constitutional documents. Nor is it referred to in the Standing Orders of the Legislative Council. It exists only by tradition. Under this tradition the Governor names one member, normally the senior by length of service, to be Senior Member. The position may once have been largely honorific. No longer. Miss Lydia Dunn, the present Senior Member, has a unique position which combines elements of the roles of leader of the House and Chief Whip. She does this while at the same time looking after the interests of all non-official members of the Council. She presides over the weekly in house meeting, which decides on most of the key issues of managing the Council's business. She does so as a neutral Chairman. But to her also falls the tasks of much behind the scenes lobbying in favour of the Government's legislative proposals or to fend off unwelcome tactics of opposition. It is a two-way traffic. The Senior Member reflects to the administration and to the Executive Council the feelings of members and will often be in position to suggest adjustments of policies or tactics to secure the approval of most members of the Council. It is a role which is likely to grow in importance. But the custom by which the Governor has the power to appoint the member who fills it cannot go unchallenged for much longer. Indeed there are already calls for the post to be filled by election.
Appointed and Elected Members
19.
The presence of elected members on LegCo has also had a significant effect on the appointed members. They have often, unfairly, been characterised by the media as the lap-dogs of the administration. At times, many have had to endure persistent personal criticism. Nevertheless, they have for the most part continued to be willing to perform the very valuable role of providing a voice of reason and experience and have been prepared to spend an immense amount of time on public duties in LegCo and on other Boards and
CONFIDENTIAL
/Committees