TNAG-0485-FCO40-550-UK-publications-on-labour-and-social-conditions-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 69

D Dee Esq

62 George Street Manchester 1

27

930 8440

HKK 13/15

9 October 1974

อ

Dear Sir

I have been instructed to reply to your letter of 25 September addressed to the frime Minister.

As a British Crown Colony, Hong Kong is administered by the Hong Kong Government, of which the office of Governor is the central feature. The Governor is the Queen's representative and as head of the Government presides at meetings of the Executive Council whose advice he must seek on important policy matters.

He is also the President of the Legislative Council, where he possesses both an original and a casting vote. All bills passed by the Legislative Council must have his assent before they become law. With strictly defined exceptions, he is responsible for every executive act of the Government.

After appointment by the Queen the Governor derives his authority from the Letters Patent passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom. These Letters Fatent create the office of Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong and require him to observe its laws and such instructions as may be given him by the queen or Secretary of State. Among the more important of these are the Royal Instructions and Colonial Regulations.

Yours faithfully,

BH Dinwiddy

Hong Kong & Indian Ccean Department