CO537-6046 — Page 178

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LOCAL DISTRICTO.

10.

Until recently Hamburg had not been subdivided into local governments except that there were S "Amter" under which were, in all, 20 districts or "Orte", each of which had a committee with purely advisory powers.

11.

In September last, however, a law was passed dividing the Land into 7 districtc, each with a local council. Councils will be responsible for such tasks as may be delegated to them. The law does not define the scope of the authority of the local councils, but it is clear that their powers will not in practice be very wide ones. Elections were held for these councils in October. Two of the councils each have 50 councillors, the remainder 40 each. The largest district has 342,000 inhabitants with an electorate of 247,000; the smallest 81,000 inhabitants and 57,000 electors. The total electorate is 1,150,000 out of a population of 1,550,000. Election to local councils is by proportional representation.

PROSPECTIVE NEW CONSTITUTION.

12.

A new constitution for Hamburg has been under consideration for some time and will probably be adopted within the next few weeks. It does not make any radical changes in the existing constitution. The Buergerschaft will consist of 120 members, 72 being elected in electoral districts on the majority system, the remainder from reserve lists on the basis of proportional representation. It will have a maximum life of 4 years and can dissolve itself. It will elect its own President, Vice-President and "Presidential Board" of 4 members. These last will apparently act as deputy speakers. Members will not be paid but will receive "loss of earnings". The Senate will be entitled to send representatives to meetings of the Buergerschaft, and must do so if requested by the latter. These representatives can be asked to give information and answer questions on the work of their respective departments.

13. The Senate will again consist of 12 members. They will be elected by the Buergerschaft either from amongst its own members or outside. Departments are under the control of individual Senators who are advised by Senat syndics. The latter are appointed by the Senate. Senators are paid by the Land.

14. The judges of the courts in Hamburg are appointed by the Senate and hold office during good behaviour.

15.

Legislation is normally introduced by the Senate, but may be introduced by the President of the Buergerschaft. Each bill has two readings unless passed by two-thirds of the whole house, in which case only one reading is necessary. If a bill is introduced direct into the Buergerschaft, the Senate may object, but if more than half the membership votes in favour on two occasions the objection of the Senate is overruled.

C.0.15794/49