TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 104

TOGABW

CONFIDENTIAL

VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER

BACKGROUND BRIEF A: THE THREE TIER SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

1.

The structure of Hong Kong's present system of represenative government is a three tiered one. The three tiers in descending order are the Legislative Council ("LegCo") which is the territory's legislature; the two Municipal Councils (one the Urban Council or "UrbCo" covering Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and the other - the Regional Council or "RegCo" covering the New Territories and outlying islands); and the 19 District Boards (one for each of the territory's 19 districts).

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The Legislative Council (LegCo)

1.

The Governor legislates with the advice and consent of LegCo Since 1985 LegCo has comprised 56 members (apart from the Governor himself, who presides):

a)

으으

3 ex-officio members (the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General);

7 civil servant members nominated by the Governor;

46 non-civil servant members (22 nominated by the Governor and 24 indirectly elected).

The Finance Committee of LegCo, on which all Unofficial members sit, considers all proposals involving expenditure from public funds. Α Public Accounts committee considers the annual report of the

Director of Audit and reports to the Governor.

3.

The Members of LegCo play a significant role in the administration of Hong Kong. They participate in the enactment of legislation, consider complaints by members of the public against government departments and monitor the effectiveness of public administration. The 22 appointed LegCo members are selected by the Governor from a wide spectrum of society. They hold more than 300 positions, outside the two councils, on committees and boards dealing with public and community affairs. The 24 elected members comprise 12 who are elected by an Electoral College composed of members of the Urban Council (UrbCo), the Regional Council (RegCo)