TNAG-2446-FCO40-3562-Political-parties-in-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 70

the

accountable government. Such a system is also prescribed by Basic Law of the future Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

last

the

the

Point Point

Meeting

Meeting a system that the governing

6. In his annual policy address to the Legislative Council October, your predecessor, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, spoke on

of building a cooperative importance

partnership between Administration and the Legislative Council. welcomes such a move. However, to achieve this, believes that it is important to institute facilitates the efficient performance of institutions.

particular, we believe that proper changes should be introduced to the Legislative Council to effectiveness:

In

i/ The Legislative

enhance its

own standing Administration

Council should set up its committees to maintain a constant check over the and to monitor public policies. ii/ An independent Legislative Council secretariat set

secretarial, provide research, services for the legislators.

7.

up

to

to

necessary to clarify

or

and other

should be support

what is meant

by

the

the

and

the

the

latter.

It is also relations between the executive and the legislature: whether this refers

and the relations bewteen the Executive Council

Council Legislative

between

Administration the Council. Legislative

We would put the emphasis on Since the Executive Council is an advisory body to the Governor final and as Your Excellency has categorically pointed out that

fall

we responsibilites

Administration, on you as head of the believe that the Administration should be more open and be to prepared to face the Legislative Council and explain policies the public. A more active approach from the Administration a-vis the Legislative Council is crucial to such a relationship.

8.

a

vis-

to

In this connection, we welcome your suggestion of introducing question

legislators time to the Legislative Council for have direct access to you on matters which involve the well-being of the society as a whole.

Composition of the Executive Council

de

is it reflect

9. Being constitutionally the Governor's policy advisers and facto the highest policy making body in Hong Kong,

to that the Executive Council should be able important major strands of public opinion to ensure that policies made will of be acceptable to the wider public. We believe that inclusion people from more diverse socio-economic backgrounds and political orientations, particularly members of the Legislative Council who

returned

elections, should help Executive Council to perform its role more effectively.

are

10.

This Administration

direct by

enable

the

does

is particularly important since the present

and is appointed by the British government

elections, nor have the

is the popular mandate through executive

being guaranteed support from the legislature by majority party of the legislature.

not

the

2