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Constitution and Administration
expenses or applications for advance of operating funds. It also examines arrangements for the compilation, maintenance and accessibility of the Register of Members' Interests, considers matters of ethics related to members' conduct, and gives advice and issues guidelines on such
matters.
In 2016-17, the committee held four closed meetings to consider a complaint against one member in relation to allegations of failure to register interests.
Investigation Committees
A motion may be moved to censure a council member under Article 79(7) of the Basic Law and Rule 49B(1A) of the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council. Under Rule 498(2A), upon the moving of the motion, debate shall be adjourned and the matter stated in the motion shall be referred to an investigation committee unless the council otherwise orders.
During 2016-17, two investigation committees were established under Rule 498(2A) arising from motions to censure Dr Hon Cheng Chung-tai and Hon Holden Chow Ho-ding. Both committees will continue their work in 2017-18.
Committee on Rules of Procedure
The Committee on Rules of Procedure reviews the Rules of Procedure and the council's committee system, and proposes changes to the council. Its 12 members are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council according to an election procedure determined by the House Committee. In 2016-17, the committee held four meetings.
Committee on Access to the Legislature's Documents and Records
The Committee on Access to the Legislature's Documents and Records determines whether a document or record should be released for access earlier than the expiry of the closure period specified in the policy on access to the legislature's documents and records. The committee also sets guidelines for implementing the policy, considers any objection against the denial of access to a document or record by the Clerk to the Legislative Council, and considers any other matters relating to the policy.
In 2016-17, 17 requests to disclose documents and records were approved. The Clerk to the Legislative Council also conducted reviews and approved the disclosure of another 44 files of closed documents and records in existence for more than 25 years. Lists of these documents and records are uploaded onto the legislature's website.
House Committee
The House Committee consists of all council members except the President and normally meets on Friday afternoons. It deals with matters related to the work of the council and prepares 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. In 2016-17, the committee held 34 meetings, including three special meetings with the Chief Secretary for Administration and senior government officials to discuss issues of public concern.
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