TNAG-2168-FCO40-3105-House-of-Commons-Foreign-Affairs-Committee-inquiry-into-Hong-1990 — Page 56

have already made clear to the Chinese the importance we

attach to this. In due course we shall need to pursue with

the Chinese Government exactly what procedures will be

applied. As this is a matter relating to the smooth

transfer of government, it would be appropriate to raise

this in the JLG. But we are not in a position to say at

this stage precisely when we will do so.

Chief Executive: Accountability

8.

Article 43 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief

Executive shall be accountable to the CPG and the Hong Kong

SAR. Furthermore, Article 72 (9) provides for a system

whereby the legislature can impeach the Chief Executive.

9. Article 64 provides that the Government of the SAR must

abide by the law and shall be accountable to the

legislature. The SAR Government, of which the Chief Executive is the head, is required, for example, to present

regular reports to LegCo, to answer questions raised by

LegCo members on its work, to implement laws passed by LegCo

and to obtain approval from LegCo for taxation and public

expenditure. These provisions should enable LegCo to require accountability from the Chief Executive.