TNAG-2038-FCO40-2902-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 29

Hong Kong, His authority derives from the Letters Patent

and the Royal Instructions. The Crown reserves the power to disallow ordinances enacted in Hong Kong and to legislate

for the Territory by Order in Council. In practice, no

post-war British Government has exercised this power. English common law and the rules of equity are in force in

Hong Kong, extended and modified as necessary by local

legislation.

4.

The Governor is advised by an Executive Council (known

as "EXCO") which currently consists of 15 members:

(a)

(b)

4 ex-officio members (the Chief secretary, the Commander British Forces, the Financial Secretary

and the Attorney General); and

11 other members appointed by the Governor, of whom

1 is Official (ie, a member of the Hong Kong

Government) and 10 are Unofficial.

The Governor is required to consult EXCO on all major issues of public policy. He is not obliged to accept the advice he receives but if he does not he must report his reasons to

HMG.

5.

The Governor legislates with the advice and consent of

the Legislative Council (known as "LEGCO") which comprises

56 members apart from the Governor himself:

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

(b)

7 official members nominated by the Governor;

(c) 46 Unofficial members (20 nominated by the Governor

and 26 indirectly elected).

The Finance Committee of LEGCO, on which all Unofficial members sit, considers all proposals involving expenditure

PATAAQ/2