TNAG-1227-FCO40-1540-Visit-to-the-UK-by-Sir-Edward-Youde--Governor-of-Hong-Kong---1983 — Page 32

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG

16س

1.

Article V of the Letters Patent to the Governor of Hong Kong

provides for the establishment of an Executive Council. Article X

of the Royal Instructions states that "in the execution of the

powers and authorities granted to the Governor by Our said Letters

Patent, he shall in all cases consult with the Executive Council,

excepting only in cases relating to the appointment, disciplinary

control or removal from office of a public officer, or in cases

which may be of such a nature that, in his judgement, Our service

would sustain material prejudice by consulting the Council thereupon, or when the matters to be decided shall be too

unimportant to require their advice, or too urgent to admit of their

advice being given by the time within which it may be necessary for

him to act in respect of any such matters". The Governor is not

obliged to accept the advice he receives from the Council, but if he

does not he must report his reasons to HMG.

2. The Executive Council at present consists of four ex-officio

members - The Chief Secretary, the Commander British Forces, the

Financial Secretary and the Attorney General and two Official and

eleven Unofficial members appointed by the Governor for fixed

periods on the Instructions of the Secretary of State. The Council

meets every Tuesday morning, and its proceedings are confidential.

Over the past year, the Council held a second weekly meeting, on

Wednesday morning, specifically to discuss matters relating to the

future of Hong Kong.