TNAG-0831-FCO40-1039-Commonwealth-Parliamentary-Association-(CPA)-annual-conferen-1979 — Page 52

IN CONFIDENCE

.1.5

too unimportant or too urgent to warrant obtaining their advice. He may act in opposition to the advice he

receives, but if he does so he must report his reasons to HMG.

The Governor legislates with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council (known as "Legco") comprising:-

(a)

(b)

(c)

The Governor;

4 Ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary, the Attorney-General, and the Secretary for Home Affairs);

16 other Official members and 24 Unofficial members, appointed by the Governor.

The Governor has not for many years sought to override the views of Legco. If he should need to do so he can appoint, on instructions from the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, extra Official members to the Council.

1.6

The Unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils have formed themselves into an organisation Inom as UMELCO, which has its own office and staff and which acts as a forum for discussing matters of current concern. While Exco members are constitutionally obliged to regard all Council business as confidential, it is a function of Legco members to seek and react to public opinion on proposed legislation, and the UMELCO office provides them with one means of doing this. UMELCO also fulfills the role of un ombudsman, receiving and investigating complaints from the general public of maladministration by the government service.

1.7

The only body participating in the Government of Hong Kong that consists entirely of members of the public is the Urban Council. Half of its 24 members are elected (by a limited franchise, subject to educational and property qualifications); the remainder are appointed by the Governor from among pro.ninent me.nbers of the community.

1.8

The Urban Council's responsibilities are limited to the built up areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Kowloon (where, altogether, about three-quarters of the population live). Its main duties are public hygiene, the control and licencing of markets, and the provision and maintenance of recreational and cultural facilities.