TNAG-1444-FCO40-1928-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 61

5 -

Ik

1 qualification

is such that it shuld h

stated

subtenturg

met

parenttatically

甲

The Regal hustrunting make provision for the case dec

[In theory the Governor may act in opposition to the advice given him by the Council; provided that the

Kh

circumstances are reported to the Secretary of State at the

first opportunity. Again there is no recorded instance of

the Governor declining to accept the Council's advice.

10

There are

two other important points that affect

the working of the Executive Council. The first is that

Her Majesty's Government in London has no constitutional

Expodl

*

to act contrary to the

Дне

14. agne

(9 FCO)

right to direct the Governor

provisions in the Letters Patent and Royal Instructions by which he is bound in the conduct of his office Although the Secretary of State is empowered by the Letters Patent

to issue instructions which may supplement the Letters

Patent and Royal Instructions. The second is that it

would create serious political difficulties for the

Governor if it became known that he had assented to policy

proposals affecting Hong Kong without having first

consulted the Executive Council.

The Council's agenda

The 600 or So matters which come before the

Council in a typical year cover

ground.

astonishingly diverse

* Mr. O'Grady agrees

that

this is consistent wilt

advice Guen by Agbite.

ù 1984.