TNAG-1220-FCO40-1530-Democratic-representation-and-reform-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 131

DEBATE

Questions.

27

In considering the opportunities in the Legislative Council for debate the Working Group considered first the existing provisions for questions, motions and adjournment debates.

28

As regards questions, the Working Group concluded that there was no need or scope for further development, and that in fact there was perhaps too much reliance on questions as a substitute for debate. The Working Group felt that many of the statements sought in questions might to advantage be the basis of subjects raised in adjournment debates.

29

Beyond this the Working Group noted that the present Standing Orders do not preclude the answering of supplementary questions by another official (that is,

an official other than the one who answered the substantive question ). The Working Group felt that this practice would enliven proceedings at question time and ensure that full answers were given whenever possible.

· 30

The Working Group accordingly recommends that the Chief Secretary should advise Official Members that. supplementary questions may be answered by an off

Official other than the one answering the substantive question. If an answer cannot be readily given, the option of a written reply may be offered.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill

31

The Working Group noted the limited opportunities for Unofficials to speak on the full range of Government business. They may at present do so, at the beginning of the session in response to the Governor's address; and roughly half-way through the session during the Budget debate. Adjournment debates can be utilised for this purpose, but are limited by their nature to specific subjects.

32

In the House of Commons a somewhat similar, want is filled by the provision of supply days, when by convention the opposition has the choice of subjects debated, and there is an opportunity for a general airing of views on the policy area expenditure for which requires approval.

33

The Working Group noted that under the new Public Finance Bill there would in future be one Supplementary Appropriation Bill to conclude the previous year's expenditure, and that this would be put before the Legislative Council in June or July each year - roughly at the end of the session. At present the Supplementary Appropriation Bill in effect, simply confirms the resolutions made in the course of the year, and the resolutions offer an appropriate opportunity for debate (using, mutatis mutandis, the principle applied

to debates on supply). In future, however, it seems that details of supplementary appropriations required will only be tabled during the year, and the Supplementary Appropriation Bill will be the effective instrument of their approval.