TNAG-1862-FCO40-2639-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1989 — Page 48

Problem

CONFIDENTIAL

- 5 -

Preferred Redraft

(e) Role of officials in the

legislature (Art. 71, 72, 73

and 76)

The latest texts do not go

far enough to ensure smooth transaction of government business in a legislature

with no official members.

Four suggested texts (already handed over by Fifoot to Shao in the Legal Experts Meeting in December 1988)

(f) Introduction of bills by

members of the legislature

(Art. 73)

-

Possible Channels

Zheng Weirong

―

Maria Tam

- Legal Experts Meeting

Art. 73 is too restrictive

in relation to members'

ability to introduce bills.

"Members of the Legislative Council for the

HKSAR may, in accordance with the

provisions of this Law and legal procedures, introduce bills, provided that

the written consent of the CE is obtained before a bill relating to public expenditure or government policies is

introduced."

-

Zheng Weirong

Maria Tam

- Legal Experts Meeting

CONFIDENTIAL