TNAG-1440-FCO40-1924-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 12

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6.

The constitutional documents describe the wide range of powers of HMG and it is not easy for those outside Hong Kong (or indeed

(or indeed even inside Hong Kong) to appreciate that in fact having for are notable for not many of

the been

the regard

of these powers

exercised.

In

constitution

describes

to

authoritarian an

Governor,

regime

of

the

classic colonial pattern. The longstanding practice of government by wide consultation, and within the legislative process itself of consultation with the Unofficials (which avoids open conflict), is not reflected in the documents. it is necessary to Το understand why Hong Kong works,

unwritten but well understand these constitutionally established practices. The government of Hong Kong has had

a

to convince those over whom it exercised authority that it was doing so in the best interests of the community as whole. If it had not been able to do so, Hong Kong would not have developed as successfully as it has.

Executive Council

7.

The

Executive Council

consists

members

the

Chief

Secretary,

the

of four

Commander

ex-officio

British

-

Forces, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General and an unspecified number of appointed members (at present Official) who are appointed by the

8

Unofficial

and 2

under the authority of

the

Queen.

Appointed

is a clear

who

Governor members hold office for fixed periods. There Unofficial majority. The Council advises the Governor, is in general required by the Royal Instructions to consult

on on important matters of policy, but not for example on

to decide General the right of the Attorney

matters of policy prosecutions.

it

on Council's advice The

on

involving the expenditure of public funds is subject to the approval of the necessary funds by the Finance Committee of The Council advises upon all the Legislative Council.

introduced into the

reponsible

making

principal legislation before

Legislative

is it

Council, and

it is

for

subsidiary legislation under a number of ordinances.

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