TNAG-2449-FCO40-3565-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 148

CONFIDENTIAL

2

Executive

advice of

the

which the

Administration

Council, decides on the policies

will then implement. This does

not, however, mean that the

business according

Executive can go about its

to its own whims. Far from it. Among

other things, this Council has the real and important

powers enabling it to hold the executive

accountable for their actions and decisions.

authorities

2.

debate

The Legislative Council has five main functions.

First, it can propose amendments to, or to refuse to enact,

proposed legislation put forth by the Executive. Second,

it has the power to Vote or deny funds. Third, it can

matters of public policies, as we are now doing.

Fourth, Members of the Council can put questions to the

Executive on any public issues, can call for the attendance

witnesses and the production of documents. And finally,

it can ask the Executive to account for the expenditure of

public funds. These roles are extensive and have been put,

over the years, to good effect by this Council to protect

and to promote the interest of the public. Indeed, the

Basic Law (cf. Chapter IV, Section 3) also provides for

similar functions of the Legislative Council of the Hong

Kong Special Administrative Region after 1997.

of

CONFIDENTIAL