TNAG-1283-FCO40-1635-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 135

SECRET

The

10. The Chief Executive and his Deputy would be elected in accordance with procedures approved by the Legislative Council. persons so elected would be formally appointed by the Central Government. They could be removed from office prematurely only on grounds of misbehaviour or infirmity and by a resolution of the Legislative Council.

11. The Executive Council would decide all important matters of policy within the competence of the SAR as laid down by the Basic Law. The Chief Executive would preside at its meetings.

12. The Legislative Council, as the supreme organ of the SAR, would make laws within the competence of the SAR as laid down by the Basic

SAR Law. All proposals entailing the expenditure of public funds would require its approval.

13. Regional Councils would be concerned with the provision of local services.

14. District Boards would provide a forum for public consultation and dicussion at the district level, and would also have certain local executive functions.

15. The exact composition, functions, procedures, powers and duties and methods of appointment of all the above institutions would depend upon the evolution of Hong Kong Government structures in the period prior to 1 July 1997. They would remain unchanged on this date, except where changes were necessary as a result of the removal of constitutional links with the UK.

16.

There would be a central secretariat together with departments and agencies with executive responsibilities. The secretariat, departments and agencies would continue to be staffed by members of the public service, who would, apart from any changes necessary as a result of the removal of any constitutional links with the UK, be appointed by the Government of the SAR according to the procedures in force immediately prior to 1 July 1997. All heads of departments and agencies would be responsible to the Chief Secretary for the efficient implementation of policy laid down by the Executive

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/Council

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