TNAG-2035-FCO40-2899-Visits-from-countries-other-than-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 78

Executive Council (ExCo)

7.

The Governor is advised by an Executive Council which currently consists of 14 members: 4 ex-officio (the Chief Secretary, the Commander British Forces, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General) and 10 others appointed by the Governor, of whom one is a public servant.

8.

The Governor in Council

with the Executive Council

→

-

the Governor acting in consultation

is Hong Kong's central and executive

authority. In theory the function of the Council is to advise the

Governor, who is required by the Royal Instructions to consult it on all important matters of policy. In practice policy is decided corporately. There is provision under the Royal Instructions for the Governor to act against the advice of the Executive Council and to refuse a Member's request that a specific matter be put before the Council. In practice this has not happened in recent times.

9. In addition to policy matters, the Governor in Council decides

appeals, petitions and objections under various ordinances which

confer a statutory right of appeal to that body. The Executive Council advisers on all principal legislation before it is introduced into the Legislative Council. The Executive Council's advice on matters of policy involving the expenditure of public funds is subject to the approval of the necessary funds by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council (see below).

The Legislative Council (LEGCO)

10. The Legislative Council's primary function is the enactment of legislation, including the appropriation of public funds. A Bill passed by the Legislative Council does not become law until the

Governor gives his assent to it.

11. The Legislative Council currently has a maximum membership of 57, comprising the Governor, who is the President, 3 ex-officio Members, (the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General) 7 official Members, 20 non-official appointed

Members and 26 elected Members. The 27 official and appointed

MELAAI (3)