CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
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Councils. Members play a significant role in the administration of Hong Kong. They advise on formulation of government policy, process and enact legislation, consider complaints from members of the public against government departments and agencies, control public expenditure and monitor the effectiveness of public administration. Up to October 1986, members were called 'Unofficials', to distinguish them from government members (Officials) of the two councils. Following a review, it was decided that the title 'Unofficial' should be dropped as it could be misleading to persons not familiar with the operation of the Hong Kong system.
Through their work, members are involved in the major public issues. They study and comment on bills and major policy initiatives proposed by the government, taking into account the views of the public through members' contacts with various constituencies, district boards, as well as representations received from members of the community.
OMELCO members have 21 specialist panels which monitor the work and needs of different areas of activity, such as education and manpower, health and welfare, the public service, housing, language, transport, trade and industry, public relations, and matters concerning the future of Hong Kong. Besides meeting among themselves, panel members hold regular meetings with senior government officials and interest groups to hear their views. There is also an OMELCO group appointed by the Governor which monitors the handling of complaints against the Independent Commission Against Corruption. In addition, members serve on more than 300 committees and boards dealing with public and community affairs and increasingly are appointed to chair the most important of these.
Members maintain regular informal contact with district boards and keep in close touch with what is happening throughout the territory by regular visits to government depart- ments and to urban and New Territories districts. They obtain the latest information on development plans and the problems people face, and it is a result of these contacts and visits that many of the questions in the Legislative Council are raised.
In addition to housing the Council Chamber, the Legislative Council Building also provides accommodation for members and staff of the OMELCO Office. The office is not a government department, although it is funded by the government and includes a number of seconded government officers who provide research and administrative assistance to members. It is also a channel through which the public may express grievances and it handles all public complaints, appeals and representations on behalf of members alleging maladministration by government officers. A full record of the work of OMELCO is contained in its annual report.
Urban Council, Regional Council and District Administration
Urban Council
The Urban Council is the statutory council for the urban areas with a jurisdiction covering the provision of municipal services to almost four million people. As such, the council has considerable executive authority and is charged with full responsibility over a wide range of municipal functions. These functions include street cleansing, collection of refuse, control of general environmental hygiene, and enforcing - through licensing - requirements on the hygienic handling and preparation of food in, among others, restaurants, shops and abattoirs.
During the year, the council conducted a comprehensive review of the policy governing street traders and public markets. District Boards were consulted widely in the proposals contained in the review. Control of street traders (hawkers) has proved difficult because of the large scale and long tradition of the practice in Hong Kong.