refused to assent to a Bill passed by the Legislative Council, and
the power of disallowance has not been exercised since 1914.
4.
The Letters Patent also give the Queen-in-Council and the
Secretary of State powers to instruct the Governor in the exercise
of his functions. In practice, on virtually all internal matters, such as the management of the economy, Hong Kong conducts its own affairs without reference to London. HMG's approval is required for appointments to senior public service posts and to the Executive and Legislative Councils, but it is very rare for the prosposals put forward by the Governor not to be accepted. There are also limited areas (e.g. currency and banking matters) where, under the Royal Instructions, the Governor cannot assent to a Bill without prior
consultation with HMG.
5.
Because of Hong Kong's status as a dependent territory, its foreign relations are constitutionally the direct responsibility of the British Government. But in certain aspects of external affairs, Hong Kong in practice enjoys a considerable degree of autonomy. The Governor has, for example, been formally entrusted with the power to conduct external commercial relations and to conclude specific Air Services Agreements. On other matters, the relationship between the United Kingdom Government and the Hong Kong Government is one of
close and regular co-operation rather than direction.
The position and powers of the Governor
6. The formal constitutional powers of the Governor are extensive. He appoints all members of the Executive Council and some members of the Legislative Council; he can refuse assent to Bills passed by the Legislative Council; he appoints judges and senior public officials; and he may dissolve the Legislative Council. But, just as HMG do not in practice exercise their full powers with regard to Hong Kong, the Governor does not in practice exercise his full powers within Hong Kong. He is required under the Royal Instructions to consult the Executive Council on all major issues. Although he may act in opposition to the advice of the Council, providing he reports to HMG