TNAG-1014-FCO40-1264-HM-Government-s-responsibility-for-internal-affairs-in-Hong--1981 — Page 12

BACKGROUND NOTE

PROPOSAL FOR A HONG KONG ' OMBUDSMAN'

1. There is already a thorough system of investigating complaints

of maladministration in Hong Kong. The Office of the Unofficial

Members of the Legislative and Executive Council (UMELCO) includes

a complaints division which deals with hundreds of cases each year.

In this respect, Unofficials have access to Government papers and

Officials. If necessary, issues can be referred to the Executive and

Legislative Councils. UMELCO also monitor the handling of complaints

against the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the

work of the Complaints Against the Police Office (CAPO).

2. In the Urban area, UMELCO's work is supplemented by the work of

the City District Officers who liaise between the Government and the

community. In addition, outspoken Urban Councillors like Mrs E Elliott

have been effective in obtaining investigations into complaints.

Hong Kong and General Department

24 March 1981