Hong Kong, His authority derives from the Letters Patent
and the Royal Instructions. The Crown reserves the power to disallow ordinances enacted in Hong Kong and to legislate
for the Territory by Order in Council. In practice, no
post-war British Government has exercised this power. English common law and the rules of equity are in force in
Hong Kong, extended and modified as necessary by local
legislation.
4.
The Governor is advised by an Executive Council (known
as "EXCO") which currently consists of 15 members:
(a)
(b)
4 ex-officio members (the Chief secretary, the Commander British Forces, the Financial Secretary
and the Attorney General); and
11 other members appointed by the Governor, of whom
1 is Official (ie, a member of the Hong Kong
Government) and 10 are Unofficial.
The Governor is required to consult EXCO on all major issues of public policy. He is not obliged to accept the advice he receives but if he does not he must report his reasons to
HMG.
5.
The Governor legislates with the advice and consent of
the Legislative Council (known as "LEGCO") which comprises
56 members apart from the Governor himself:
(a) 3 ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General);
(b)
7 official members nominated by the Governor;
(c) 46 Unofficial members (20 nominated by the Governor
and 26 indirectly elected).
The Finance Committee of LEGCO, on which all Unofficial members sit, considers all proposals involving expenditure
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