Constitution and Administration | 5
Public Accounts Committee
The Public Accounts Committee considers reports of the Director of Audit on the accounts of the Government and the results of his value-for-money audits of government departments and other organisations that are within the purview of public audit. It may invite government officials, public organisations or any other persons to attend public hearings to give explanations, evidence or information. The seven members of the committee are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council in accordance with the election procedure determined by the council's House Committee.
During the 2006-2007 session, the committee examined the Director of Audit's Report on the Accounts of the Government for the year ended March 31, 2006 and the reports on the results of Value-for-Money Audits (Reports Nos. 47 and 48). The committee held eight public hearings and 33 internal meetings during the period. The conclusions and recommendations of the committee are contained in the committee's Reports Nos. 47 and 48, which were tabled in the council on February 7, 2007 and July 11, 2007 respectively.
Committee on Members' Interests
The Committee on Members' Interests comprises seven members who are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council in accordance with the election procedure determined by the council's House Committee. It considers matters pertaining to the declaration of interests, such as the arrangements for the compilation, maintenance and accessibility of the Register of Members' Interests, and matters of ethics in relation to the conduct of members of the Legislative Council. It is also empowered to consider and investigate complaints regarding members' registration and declaration of interests, and complaints concerning the conduct of members in relation to claims for reimbursement of operating expenses or applications for advance of operating funds. It may also make recommendations to the council, including those concerning sanctions relating to members' interests, operating expenses or operating funds.
House Committee
The House Committee, which consists of all members except the President, elects its Chairman and the Deputy Chairman. The committee normally meets on Friday afternoons and is responsible for dealing with matters related to the work of the Legislative Council and preparing members for council meetings. It decides whether bills committees or subcommittees should be formed to scrutinise bills, subsidiary legislation and other instruments made under an ordinance. During the 2006-2007 session, the House Committee held 33 regular meetings.
Committee on Rules of Procedure
The Committee on Rules of Procedure is responsible for reviewing the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council and the committee system, and proposing to the council such amendments or changes as are considered necessary. The committee consists of 12 members who are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council in accordance with an election procedure determined by the council's House