ENG-1954 — Page 339

Chapter 21

Administration

The Government of Hong Kong derives its con- stitutional authority from Letters Patent and Royal Instructions and is administered by a Governor, an Executive Council, and a Legislative Council. The Executive Council, which is consulted by the Governor on all important administrative matters, consists of the Commander of British Forces in Hong Kong, the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney General, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Financial Secretary (who are members ex-officio), and such other member, both official and unofficial, as may be appointed. At the end of 1954, there were six official members (including the five ex-officio members mentioned above) and six un- official members, three of whom were Chinese, and one Portuguese. (See Appendix XIV).

The Legislative Council consists of nine official members, including the same five ex-officio members listed above, and eight unofficial members. At the end of 1954 the unofficial members included four Chinese and one Portuguese member. The laws of the Colony are enacted with the advice and consent of this Council which also approves all expenditure from public funds. Procedure is based on that of the House of Commons. There are three Standing Committees : the Finance Committee, the Law Committee and the Public Works Committee; and Select Committees are set up from time to time to advise on matters before the Council.

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