CHAPTER V
THE PRESIDENCY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
116. The Governor of Hong Kong is at present also the President of the Legislative Council, and exercises certain powers in regard to the Council in each of these two capacities.
117. As Governor his powers include:
(a) to assent to, or withhold his assent from, legislation passed by the
Council;
(b) to appoint the dates on which the annual session of Council begins
and ends;
(c) to address the Council at the first sitting of each session as of right; (d) to determine whether a sitting be held outside the normal session; (e) to make or withhold a recommendation that a petition or motion be received in the Council where it refers to taxes, charges on the revenue etc;
(f) powers in regard to the attendance of persons to give evidence, and to
their giving evidence before the Council or a committee;
(g) to dissolve the Legislative Council.
118. As President his powers include:
(a) to ensure observance of the rules of order and of debate in all
proceedings;
(b) to control the agenda;
(c) to nominate members of committees;
(d) to accept a motion to adjourn for the purpose of debate of an urgent
public matter;
(e) to extend a sitting beyond 6 p.m.
(f) to determine the result of a vote on the 'voices', or to conduct a formal
voting procedure.
119. The 1984 Green Paper discussed the proposal that the Governor should be replaced as President of the Legislative Council. The White Paper recorded that although the proposal was on the whole reasonably well received, it seemed clear that the general view was in favour of making no significant change in the position of the Governor during the next few years: the matter would therefore be reconsidered in 1987.
120. The response to the 1984 Green Paper revealed a general perception that the Governor's role as President of the Legislature was an important aspect of his position as head of the Government. His withdrawal from the Legislature was regarded by many as a significant step, to be taken only after careful thought and at the right time.
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