ENG-1992 — Page 29

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

Committee on Members' Interests

The Committee on Members' Interests, established by resolution of the Legislative Council in 1991, is a Standing Committee consisting of a chairman and six members. It examines the arrangements for the compilation, maintenance and accessibility of the Register of Members' Interests, considers matters pertaining to the declaration of interests by members and matters of ethics in relation to the conduct of members in their capacity as such, and it makes recommendations on matters relating to members' interests. Sittings of the committee are held in public unless the chairman otherwise orders in accordance with any decision of the committee.

Select Committees

The Legislative Council may appoint select committees to consider matters or bills in depth. The purpose is to enable small groups of members to examine complex problems and to report their findings and recommendations to the council. A Select Committee on Legislative Council Elections was appointed in January 1992 to review the arrangements for the 1991 Legislative Council elections and to report its recommendations on the arrangements for future Legislative Council elections. The Select Committee tabled its Report in the Legislative Council on July 8, 1992 and was subsequently dissolved.

OMELCO

OMELCO stands for Office of the (non-government) Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils. Until October 1992, there was cross membership on the two Councils and hence the need for a link between them. This link was provided by OMELCO.

Members of OMELCO 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 approve public expenditure.

Through their work, members are involved in the consideration of 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.

Non-government Members of the Legislative Council formed a number of ad hoc groups and working groups to study bills introduced into the Legislative Council and issues which concern the community at large, including the arrangements for the 1995 elections, financial arrangements for the new airport and related projects, occupational retirement schemes and protection of women and juveniles.

URBAN COUNCIL PUBLIC LIBRARIES REFERENCE LEMPANY

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