TNAG-1136-FCO40-1416-Address-by-Sir-Edward-Youde--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-the-L-1982 — Page 8

#

5

7. Sir, I sincerely hope that the review which you personally ordered, and the attention which has been given by Executive Council to the conclusions,

will satisfy those concerned that all that can reasonably

be done for our POWs is actually being done; and that

the somewhat distressing controversy that has surrounded

this subject recently will now be closed.

Legislative Council and the Role of Unofficials

8. I turn now to the working party set up to review

the Standing Orders, conventions and practices of this

1

Council in order to improve procedures and to reflect more clearly the contributions made by Unofficial Members

to the making of new legislation. Like Mr Lobo I am

taking a personal interest in the activities of this

working party. It is chaired by the Director, Councils

and Administration Branch, and its members include the

Law Draftsman, who has been concerned with the Standing

Orders of legislatures in several territories, the

Secretary-General of the UMELCO Office, who is well

placed to represent the views of Unofficial Members, and

the Clerk of Councils and the Deputy Clerk of Councils,

both of whom have considerable experience of the workings

of this Council.

9. A number of areas have been identified in which there

may be scope for more effective use to be made of the

existing Standing Orders, without the need for any major

amendments. For example, the provisions dealing with

adjournment debates and select committees could be

invoked to greater effect, which may or may not cover what Mr Yeung had in mind. Some necessary minor amendments to Standing Orders have also been suggested.

10.

When the working party has completed its review, which should be within the next few weeks, I shall

immediately discuss its recommendations with Mr Lobo, with a view to deciding what further action should be

taken on them.

/11.....