recorded, in paragraph 18 of their May 1990 observations on that
Report, the provisions in the final version of the Basic Law, which entrench the principle of executive accountability (BL Articles 52, 64 and 73(9)).
24.
We and the Governor accept the principle of accountability. The Governor made this clear in his inaugural address to the
Legislative Council last October. He said: "My intention is to
ensure that we have a vigorous and effective executive-led
Government that is properly accountable to this Legislative Council." He has since withdrawn from the position of President of
the Legislative Council, in advance of 1995, as suggested by the Committee in their Report (3.16). The Deputy President, Mr John Swaine, has presided over the Council since the beginning of the
present session, and on 19 February he was elected formally as
President. To enhance accountability further, the Governor has
presented himself regularly to the Legislative Council to explain
Hong Kong Government policies and to answer members' questions. The traditional practice of relevant Hong Kong Government
officials answering questions in the Legislative Council has
continued.
25.
The Governor has ended the previous practice of overlapping
membership between the non-officials on the Executive and Legislative Councils. The more political climate in the Legislative Council, following the September 1991 direct
elections, meant that those who were members of both Councils were
subject to potentially conflicting loyalties. The requirement in
the Executive Council for confidentiality and collective
responsibility and the need to stand up for Government policies could conflict with the responsibilities of elected Legislative
Councillors to their constituents. The Governor decided that by
separating the non-official membership of the two Councils, each Council would be better able to develop its proper role.
Legislative Councillors would be free to develop their political
select.cttee.PR.JRB