TNAG-1365-FCO40-1811-Hong-Kong-Legislative-Council-(Powers-and-Privileges)-Bill-1-1985 — Page 45

Our support for this Bill with the amendments which we have proposed is only on the basis that there will be a complete review of the position and status of the Legislative Council at the same time as the already promised review of the steps

towards representative government.

1

This review would include :

1

(a) A complete review of Standing Orders bearing in mind the

need for open and responsive government.

(b)

(0)

Consideration of whether with an elected legislature there

should be created the office of speaker of the Legislative

Council and the powers, duties and responsibilities of the

holder of that office.

A review of the relationship between the Council and its

committees.

(a) A review of the relationship between the Council and

all other existing or contemplated legislative or executive

bodies.

(e) The desirability or otherwise of the Attorney General having

the sole discretion concerning prosecutions under this Bill.

(E) Whether there should be a committee of privileges or some

suitable local equivalent.

With the proposed change from an appointed to an at least partially elected legislature all these matters and many, others

will need in depth consideration. 1987 will be. none too goon

for that to happen.

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