112
THE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF HONG KONG
exaggerated. These committees have important limitations which impair their role as a surrogate for democracy. Criticisms may be divided into those relating to the composition, the procedures, and the powers of committees. 16
With the exception of the elected members of the District Boards, the Urban Council, and the Legislative Council, members of most govern- ment committees are formally appointed by the Governor. In practice this means that the choice is made by the Secretary or Head of depart- ment concerned with the principal area of responsibility of the commit- tee. He normally consults officials in his own branch or department and perhaps the unofficials already associated with the committee's work. Government also maintains a general register of potential members of committees and can suggest names of those who do not have a close business or professional interest in the work of a particular committee and who could represent the interests of the general public. The profes- sed aim of government is that the membership of committees should be drawn from a wide range of persons from different sectors of the com- munity, but there is considerable doubt as to how far this aim is in fact achieved. There is a tremendous overlap in membership, with many top unofficials serving on up to eight committees. Far too many of these unofficials appear to be drawn from financial, industrial, and real estate circles, and the various professions that service these interests, and it is doubtful whether the views of the emerging educated middle class, the poorer classes, and the young are adequately represented either by members of these groups or by those who are conversant with their problems and aspirations. Furthermore, when the selection of commit- tee members is in the hands of those Secretaries or Heads of departments to whom they are meant to give advice, there is a danger that they may avoid selecting those who are likely to prove knowledgeable and self- confident critics of government policy. It is a frequent criticism of some committee members that they are too docile in acquiescing in proposals put before them by government, because they relish the prestige associ- ated with their committee assignment and hope to advance to further more honourable appointments in the government. Even certain impor- tant business associations such as the General Chamber of Commerce have criticized the fact that their objections to government policy have been inadequately voiced on certain committees, for example the Labour Advisory Board. 17
Suspicion is also voiced that committee members who have a strong business or professional interest in the subject matter of a committee's deliberations may be able to profit by advance information, or be able to influence the committee's decisions in ways which may redound to their advantage. Committee members are naturally expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and detachment in giving their views to government; but such suspicions are unavoidable since there are very few experts available outside government who do not use their profes sional skills to earn their living. Inexpert committee members asked to
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