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questionable.
The lack of accountability for the Legislative Council in any of its It has lead to a actions is a problem for the Hong Kong Government.
areast
semiparalysis of action in a number of for example instead of taking decisions it has become the practice to issue consultative papers. Also the Government has been reluctant to approach LegCo for additional funds for VBPS for the worry of the proposal being thrown out. Some way of insuring that the Legislative Council
the appreciates that issues that need to be addressed would indeed be very useful. The appointment ExCo of responsible members of LegCo to act as ministers would be a possibility e
to
cross
The rubes hip)
This would clearly have to be very carefully handled and to ensure that the balance of power between officials and ministers was manageable and appropriate.
Devolution of Powers to other Councils
A further possible away of providing more autonomy and for involving Hong Kong people in the running of Hong Kong, would be to devolve power from the Executive and Legislative Councils to the other established bodies that exist. Currently the urban council and regional council are responsible for the provision of municipal services. These include environmental hygiene, public health, sanitation, liquor licensing and provision of recreational and cultural facilities. Approximately half of the council members are directly elected with the other half appointed by the Governor There are in or elected from the district boards within the area. addition 19 district boards with a majority of elected members (264
The functions of the district elected as against 141 appointed).
boards are to advise the Government on a wide range of matters effecting the well-being of people living and working in the districts. They also undertake minor environmental improvement campaigns and are provided with a small amount of public funds for this purpose. In its review the development of representative government in 1983, the Hong Kong government did not conclude that
any change in the roles of the urban and kegional Councils and the District Boards was merited.
There could however be scope for the
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