and security. servants to discuss policy proposals. The non-official members of the Legislative Council also form ad hoc groups to examine Bills which have been introduced into the Council. Much of the detailed discussion of Bills takes place in meetings between these groups and the relevant policy branches of the Government. Amendments are frequently negotiated and agreed during this process, and subsequently introduced into the Council, either by an official or non-official member, during the committee stage.
These panels meet regularly with senior civil
Municipal Councils and District Boards
11. The Urban Council is responsible for the provision of municipal services to residents of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and the Regional Council to residents of the remainder of the territory. Both councils are financially autonomous. Their responsibilities include the provision of recreational and cultural facilities and programmes, food, hygiene, sanitation and refuse disposal, and liquor licensing. The Urban Council consists of 15 appointed and 15 directly-elected members, who will be joined 1 April by 10 members elected by the District Boards in the Urban Area. The Regional Council consists of 36 members: 12 are appointed, 12 are directly elected, 9 are elected by District Boards and the remaining 3 are the Chairman and vice-Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk, a statutory advisory body which represents the indigenous inhabitants of the New Territories.
12. District Boards are statutory bodies established in 1982 to provide an effective forum for public consultation and participation in administration at the District level. There are 19 District Boards throughout the territory. On them sit a total of 237 directly elected and 132 appointed members: in the New Territories the 27 Rural Committee Chairmen are ex-officio members of Boards. The functions of District Boards are principally advisory. They discuss and advise the Government on matters affecting the well-being of the people in the District and help monitor the work of the Government at the District level. They are also responsible