TNAG-0525-FCO40-620-Visit-of-UK-Members-of-Parliament-(Defence-and-External-Affa-1975 — Page 59

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The procedure in Legislative Council allowS

for public debates and questions. There are two regular major debates each year: a debate on financial/economic matters in February or March during the second reading of the Appropriation Bill, and a wider ranging debate on government policy in general, in response to the Governor's address, at the opening of each new session of Council.

addition, questions on matters of topical public interest

or on aspects of government policy are asked at almost every

meeting of the Council.

In

The Legislative Council meets in public normally

once a fortnight through the year, except for a six week

recess in August October. Either Chinese or English may

be used for its business. Members of the Council, and the

public, may follow the proceedings in either language as

simultaneous interpretation facilities are provided.

The Urban Council

The Urban Council is a corporate body with its

own ordinance and is responsible for managing its own finances.

It is the only one of the three councils, which participate

in the business of government in Hong Kong, to consist solely

of members of the public and with an elected element.

Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected from among its 24 m bers,

twelve appointed by the Governor and twelve elected by the

public.

The

The franchise for Urban Council voters requires a

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