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CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

Through their work, members are involved in the major public issues. They study and comment on bills and major policy initiatives proposed by the government, taking into account the views of the public through members' contacts with various constituencies, district boards, as well as representations received from members of the community.

There are 16 specialist panels formed by members which regularly monitor the policy and progress of work of different areas of activity. These are: constitutional development; economic services and public utilities; education; manpower; environmental affairs; finance, taxation and monetary affairs; health and welfare; housing; lands and works; the civil services; welfare; trade and industry; culture, recreation and sports; security; community and New Territories affairs; and transport. Besides meeting among themselves, panel members hold sessions with senior government officials and interest groups to hear their views.

There is also an OMELCO group appointed by the Governor to monitor the handling of complaints against the Independent Commission Against Corruption. In addition, members serve on more than 200 committees and boards dealing with matters of public

concern.

Members also maintain regular informal contact with district boards. They keep in close touch with what is happening throughout the territory by regular visits to government departments and the 19 districts. They obtain the latest information on development plans and the problems people face, and it is a result of these contacts and visits that many of the questions in the Legislative Council are raised.

OMELCO is also a channel through which the public may express grievances. Members deal with public representations on government policy, appeals and complaints.

A full record of the work of OMELCO is contained in its annual report.

The Legislative Council Building, which houses the Council Chamber, also provides accommodation for members and staff of the OMELCO Secretariat. The office is not a government department, although it is funded by the government and includes a number of seconded government officers who provide research and administrative support to members.

Urban Council, Regional Council and District Administration

Urban Council

The Urban Council is the statutory council with responsibilities for the provision of municipal services to almost 3.6 million people in the urban areas. As such, the Urban Council has considerable executive authority and is charged with full responsibility over a wide range of municipal functions. These functions include street cleansing, refuse collection, control of general environmental hygiene, and ensuring the hygienic hand- ling and preparation of food in restaurants, shops, abattoirs and other places. During the past three years, the Urban Council conducted a comprehensive review of the policy governing street traders and public markets. Some recommendations have been imple- mented and the aspects of licensing and hawker control are being studied by an inter- departmental group.

Within the urban area, the Urban Council also provides and manages all public sporting facilities such as swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor stadia, tennis courts, football grounds, squash courts and basketball courts and promotes a large number of sports at district level. The Urban Council manages museums, public libraries and several major cultural venues and multi-purpose facilities, including the City Hall, Queen