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Constitution and Administration
Bills Committees
Any member, other than the President, may join a bills committee formed by the House Committee to consider the general merits and principles of a bill allocated for scrutiny. A bills committee may also consider the detailed provisions of, and amendments to, the bill. It usually tables a report in the council and is dissolved on the passage of the bill or when the House Committee so decides.
In 2016-17, the House Committee set up 26 bills committees to study 27 government bills and one member's bill.
Subcommittees on Subsidiary Legislation
In 2016-17, the House Committee formed 32 subcommittees to study 52 items of subsidiary legislation and eight proposed resolutions presented by the government for the council's approval.
Other Subcommittees
The House Committee may also appoint subcommittees to consider policy issues and any other council-related matters. Eleven such subcommittees were appointed in 2016-17.
Panels
The council has 18 panels for members to deliberate on policy matters and study issues of public concern. These panels also give views on major legislative and financial proposals before their introduction into the council or its Finance Committee, and examine relevant policy matters. The panels may appoint subcommittees or joint subcommittees to study specific issues. During 2016-17, 12 such subcommittees were set up, of which five remained in operation by the end of 2016-17.
Select Committees
The council may appoint select committees for members to consider matters or bills. Select committees report to the council after completing their work. Following a petition presented at a council meeting in November 2016, a select committee was formed to inquire into matters regarding Mr Leung Chun-ying's signing of an agreement with the Australian firm UGL Limited in 2011 and his receipt of payments amounting to £4 million from UGL Limited in connection with the agreement after assuming the office of Chief Executive. During 2016-17, the committee held six open meetings and four closed meetings. The committee will continue its work in 2017-18.
Redress System
The council operates a system which enables members of the public to seek help for redress of grievances resulting from government actions or policies. The redress system also deals with public representations on government policies and legislation as well as other matters of public concern. Members take turns, in groups of seven, to be on duty each week to oversee the redress system and to receive representations and complaints made by deputations. They also take turns to be on 'ward duty' at the Public Complaints Office during their duty week to meet
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