ENG-1991 — Page 36

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

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OMELCO

OMELCO stands for Office of the (non-government) Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.

Members play a significant role in the administration of Hong Kong. They advise on formulation of and change to government policy; consider complaints from members of the public, and monitor the effectiveness of public administration. Members of the Legislative Council also scrutinise, process and enact legislation, as well as control public expenditure.

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 and district boards, as well as representations received from members of the community. Important issues which require the attention and endorsement of all members are discussed at fortnightly in-house meetings. There are 16 standing panels formed by members, which regularly monitor the policy and progress of work in different areas of activity. These include: community and New Territories affairs; constitutional development; recreation and culture; economic services and public utilities; education; environmental affairs; finance, taxation and monetary affairs; health services; housing; lands and works; manpower; public service; security; trade and industry; transport, and welfare services. Besides meeting among themselves, panel members hold sessions with senior government officials and interest groups to hear their views.

In addition to these standing panels, a number of special groups were also set up. In 1991, the focus of attention of the Special Working Group on Nationality was the implementation of the British Nationality Scheme while the Steering Group to Strengthen and Promote Hong Kong as an International City continued its efforts in boosting confidence in the territory and maintaining regular contact with overseas communities in Hong Kong.

Non-government members of the Legislative Council also formed a number of ad hoc groups to study issues which concern the Hong Kong community at large including the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Bill, electoral provisions, decriminalisation of homosexual acts, town planning, and financial arrangements for the new airport and related projects.

Members maintain regular informal contact with district boards. They keep in close touch with what is happening throughout the territory by frequent visits to government departments and places of public concern, such as the detention centre for Vietnamese migrants in Tai A Chau. They obtain the latest information on development plans and the problems people face, and it is as a result of these contacts that many of the questions in the Legislative Council are raised.

Members are serviced by the OMELCO Secretariat, independent of the Administration. A separate office was set up in London to assist members in establishing and developing closer links with officials, Members of Parliament, peers, organisations and individuals with an interest in Hong Kong, as well as the British media. The office also advises OMELCO members on issues of interest in the United Kingdom.

OMELCO is a channel through which the public may express grievances. Members deal with public representatives on government policy, appeals and complaints. Complaints against government departments alleging maladministration may be referred, if the complainant so requests, to the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints by a non-government member of the Legislative Council for action.