ENG-1997 — Page 48

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

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Provisional Legislative Council Commission and Secretariat

An independent Provisional Legislative Council Commission, with financial and administrative autonomy, is chaired by the President of the PLC and consists of 12 members. It is empowered to employ staff of the PLC Secretariat and oversee its work, determine the organisation and administration of support services and facilities, formulate and execute policies on their effective operation and expend funds in ways it sees fit to support these activities.

The PLC Secretariat provides supporting services to the PLC, including:

⚫ servicing of meetings of the PLC and its committees,

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facilitating communication with and among members in relation to the business of the PLC;

collating public views on the business of the PLC; and

promoting public understanding of the work of the PLC.

Work of the former Legislative Council

During the first half of 1997, when Hong Kong was still under British administration, legislative work was carried out by the Legislative Council elected in September 1995. The former 60-member council conducted its business in accordance with the procedures laid down in its Standing Orders, which derived their authority from the Hong Kong Royal Instructions, and the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance. During these six months, the Legislative Council passed 108 bills, including the Appropriation Bill on the 1997/98 Budget.

In monitoring the government's performance in the same period, members of the former Legislative Council debated 81 motions with 49 motions raised by members including two on council procedural and administrative matters, nine on government legislative proposals and 38 relating to government policies with no legislative effect. In all, 401 questions and 491 supplementary questions were asked on a wide range

of topics.

Municipal Councils and District Boards

From July 1, 1997, the two municipal councils and 18 district boards elected during British administration were replaced by provisional bodies. Like the Provisional Legislative Council, this is an interim arrangement until elections can be held, and in any case, their terms will not extend beyond December 31, 1999. These provisional municipal councils and district boards include all those members serving before July 1, 1997, as well as additional appointees. The government is currently reviewing the roles and functions of municipal councils and district boards.

Provisional Urban Council

The Provisional Urban Council is responsible for providing municipal services to about 3.4 million people in the urban areas, representing 53 per cent of the population. The council plays a key role in safeguarding environmental hygiene and public health as well as providing cultural services and venues and recreational facilities and programmes.

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