TNAG-0214-FCO40-250-Proposals-for-appointment-of-a-ombudsman-in-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 152

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In Britain the Ombudsman is on indepcndent

officer whose status and power is conferred by

statute. He is secure from dismissal except

by Parliament.

He may act only at the instance

of a member of the House of Commons on a con-

plaint of personal injustice suffered by a

complainant.

5. An Ombudsman normally has jurisdiction to

investigate complaints regarding the acts,

omissions, decisions and recommendations of

specified government departments and public

bodies which affect the interests of private

individuals. Any investigation undertaken by

the Ombudsman is carried out in private and

proceedings ere absolutely privileged. There

are powers to examine witnesses. The Ombudsman

is not required to give a hearing save where it

appears to him that there are grounds for

reporting adversely on the conduct of a depart-

ment, organisation or individual official

complained or.

16. The following matters are normally ex-

cluded from the purview of the Ombudsman:

The safety or the state;

External relations;'

Latters relating to the administration of

colonial territories;

Investigation of crime;

Watters ralling within the competence of

the courts, e tribunal or any other

quasi judicial body;

Appointments by Governors-General or

Ministe s;