TNAG-1442-FCO40-1926-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 83

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(b)

7.

when Government proposals for legislation or funding are discussed informally and in private by the Committees and Groups of the Legislative Council, there are present members who can speak authoritatively on the background to the Executive Council's decisions and on the considerations that

the Executive Council took into account.

The presence of official members in the Legislative Council

(whether or not they are also in the Executive Council) also

provides a channel for close communication between

between the Government

and the Legislative Council, both formal and informal. Officials introduce legislation and answer questions on draft legislation, on policy and on the work of the administration during question time, which is an important part of the proceedings of the Legislative Council in the eyes of the public.

8.

The introduction of elected members into the Legislative Council has not reduced the advantages of the present system to both Councils. Although the council's increased membership has increased

the amount of time required for questions and debates, a considerable amount of legislation has been passed in the 1985-86 session, as in previous sessions, with little dissent; the budget has been approved; and select committees on controversial issues

issues have produced reports containing proposals largely acceptable to the

Government.

9.

It is not the case, as is sometimes stated, that the system depends on the presence of appointed members whose loyalty is bound to the Government on all issues. Its success arises from the fact that it is the constant objective of the Government to seek, with the advice of all members of both Councils, a consensus acceptable to the community at large on all major issues of policy before introducing policies or draft legislation for formal endorsement. It has nevertheless happened on more than one occasion in past years that the Government has withdrawn major proposals because on presentation it became obvious that they could not obtain the necessary degree of support in the Legislative Council or among the community generally. Amendments, often substantial, were and are

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