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14.
These appointments are made by the Governor to ensure a broad
spectrum of representation and, where necessary, to balance sectoral
interests.
TYPES AND GROUPINGS OF MEMBERS
15.
The members of the 1985 Legislative Council are in broad
terms not greatly different from before, being generally middle
class, professional and, in political terms, moderate. However, the
elective background
limited albeit
of 24 of the members means
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-
that they represent in a more sharply defined way than before
various interest groups the Council (for example, education and
the Social Services); they are under greater pressure to speak up
for their interest groups, and to prove by their diligence their
value as new, elected, members. The media also expect more of
them on this latter score.
16.
Hong Kong has a well-developed and active range of pressure
groups outside the Legislature which have recently begun to support
candidates for election to District Boards, the Urban Council, the
Regional Council and the Legislative Council. These pressure groups
do not function as political parties in a western sense.
METHOD OF WORK
17. (a) Meetings: Legislative Council meets in public sittings once
a week, except for short recesses.
But the work of the
Council continues in public and private throughout the week
(see following paragraphs). Members may speak in English or
Cantonese: Simultaneous interpretation is provided.
(b)
(c)
President the Governor presides at all sittings of Council
when he is in Hong Kong, and is Chairman of Committees of the
whole Council. In his absence, member appointed by the
Governor (in practice the Chief Secretary) presides.
Senior Unofficial Member; a leading Unofficial is appointed by
the Governor as senior Unofficial member of the Council.
This appointment exists by convention: not by specification
in standing orders. He or she shepherds rather than leads
LEGCO colleagues, and deals with the Governor and the Chief
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