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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 instruc- tions from the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, extra Official members to the Council.
5. The Unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils have formed themselves into an organisation known 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 an ombudsman, receiving and investigating complaints from the general public of maladministration by the government service.
6. 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 fran- chise, subject to educational and property qualifications); remainder are appointed by the Governor from among prominent members of the community.
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7. 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.
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