TNAG-1073-FCO40-1323-Policy-of-the-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-including-1981 — Page 453

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and the supplementary provision of funds. It has two sub-committees,

the Public Works Sub-committee and the Establishment Sub-Committee.

The Public Works Sub-committee is responsible for reviewing the progress

and priority of projects in the Public Works Programme. The Establishment

Sub-committee is responsible for examining staff requests, though some

of the routine 'functions of this Sub-committee have now been delegated,

subject to certain safeguards, to heads of government departments.

Public Accounts Committee was established by resolution of the

Legislative Council in May 1978. The committee consists of a chairman

and six members, all of whom are unofficial members of the council.

Its task is to consider reports of the Director of Audit on the

Government's annual accounts, on other accounts required to be laid

before the Legislative Council, and on any matter incidental to the

performance of the director's duties. The main aim of the committee

is to establish the circumstances surrounding the matters reported on

by the Director of Audit and to consider if any remedial action is

necessary.

4.

The Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative

Councils (UMELCO) play a significant role in the administration of

Hong Kong. They assist in the shaping of government policies, enact

legislation and bring about improvements in public administration.

The unofficial members are leading representatives of the community

and are knowledgeable in many aspects of both local and international

affairs. In addition to membership of the two councils they serve

individually throughout the extensive network of government and

community committees and boards that are so important in Hong Kong.