TNAG-1220-FCO40-1530-Democratic-representation-and-reform-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 151

D

Sir,

SPEECH BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON 27 JULY 1983

I move the resolution for the amendment of the Standing Orders of this Council which stands in my name on the order paper. Members have already received copies of this resolution and they will have noticed that the amendments, if approved, will come into effect on 1 September next.

The amendments proposed today derive from the Report of the Working Party set up to review the Standing Orders, whose appointment was announced by you, Sir, in this Council on 6 October, last year. The objective of the Working Party, as you then said, Sir, was to "review the Standing Orders, conventions and practices of this Council so as to achieve, among other things, a more structured public debate of legislation and an easier exchange of questions and answers, resulting in a truer reflection of the Council's essentially representative role".

The Working Party was, if I may say so, business like in its approach to the task. After a careful and thorough review, it found little to criticize in the existing provisions of Standing Orders or the conventions of the Council. The proposals put forward today, Sir, follow its recommendation which you, Sir, have

accepted after consulting the Senior Unofficial Member.

Today's

resolution provides for the necessary amendments

to Standing Orders.

however

do not require

Many of the Working Party's recommendations

relate to conventions and understandings which

amendments to Standing Orders.

I should

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