TNAG-0334-FCO40-370-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 72

CONFIDENTIAL

ANNEX C to BRIEF NO 15

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION

(OMBUDSMAN)

1. There is a body of opinion in Hong Kong, including the local

branch of JUSTICE (International Commission of Jurists) which

favours the appointment of an Ombudsman and the matter had been

a subject of press and other comment in the Colony during the

past three or four years. It has also been the subject of

occasional Parliamentary interest here, although the issue is

dormant at present.

2. It is, however, evident that among Unofficial Members of

the Executive and Legislative Councils there is a substantial

body of opinion which doubts whether an Ombudsman is necessary or

whether such an appointment could make for any improvement in the

facilities already available in that field.

3.

Facilities already exist in Hong Kong to enable members of

the public to make their views and grievances known to the

authorities and to seek redress. In addition to the normal right

to petition the Governor and/or the Secretary of State these

facilities include:-

(a) The office of the Unofficial Members of

the Executive and Legislative Councils

(UMELCO)

This is an office through which members of the public

can bring their views and complaints to the notice

of Unofficial Members of the two Councils. The

machinery of this office had been steadily strengthened

and expanded in recent months. It is supervised by an

/expatriate

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CONFIDENTIAL