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Constitution and Administration
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HONG KONG is administered by the Hong Kong Government, and its administration has developed from the basic pattern applied in all British-governed territories overseas. The head of the Hong Kong Government is the Governor. Under the terms of the Joint Declaration of the British and Chinese Governments on the question of Hong Kong which entered into force on May 27, 1985, Hong Kong will become, with effect from July 1, 1997 a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
The Governor has the ultimate direction of the administration of Hong Kong. He is advised on the development of policy and other matters by an Executive Council. Legislation is enacted and funds provided by the Legislative Council, the members of which also debate policy and question the administration. There are two municipal councils, the Urban Council and the Regional Council, which have a statutory responsibility to provide public health, cultural and recreational services in their respective geographical areas. In addition, 19 District Boards cover the territory. They advise the administration on the implementation of policies at the district level and provide an effective forum for public consultation.
On May 27, 1987 a Green Paper entitled 'The 1987 Review of Developments in Representative Government' was published and made widely available. The purpose of the review was to consider whether the systems of representative government in Hong Kong should be developed in 1988 and, if so, in what manner. An independent survey office was established to collect the views of the public concerning this and over 135 000 submissions were received. A White Paper setting out the government's proposals for the further development of representative government will be published in early 1988.
Role of the Governor
The Governor is the representative of the Queen in Hong Kong. He has ultimate direction of the administration of Hong Kong and is also the titular Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces stationed in Hong Kong. As head of the government, he presides at meetings of both the Executive Council and the Legislative Council. The Governor is in close touch with the administration of the territory and exerts a major influence over the direction of affairs.
Following the death of the former Governor, Sir Edward Youde, in December 1986 the Chief Secretary, Sir David Akers-Jones was appointed Acting Governor until Sir David Wilson assumed office as Governor on April 9, 1987.
The Governor is appointed by the Queen and derives his authority from the Letters Patent passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom. The Letters Patent establish the basic framework of the administration of Hong Kong and, together with the Royal Instructions passed under the Royal Sign Manual and Signet which lay down procedures