ENG-2003 — Page 34

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

6

Panels

The Legislative Council has established 18 panels to monitor and examine the Government's policies and issues of public concern which relate to their respective policy areas. These panels also give views on major legislative or financial proposals before their introduction into the Legislative Council or the Finance Committee, and examine relevant policy matters referred to them.

Select Committees

The Legislative Council may appoint select committees to enable members to consider matters in depth. Select committees report to the council after they have completed consideration of such matters.

In response to public concern over the quality of public housing, the Legislative Council appointed a Select Committee on February 7, 2001 to inquire into the matter. The Select Committee submitted its first report to the council on January 22, 2003.

Redress System

The Legislative Council operates a redress system under which members of the public may seek assistance for redressing any grievance which resulted from implementation of government actions or policies and lodge complaints against government departments and other organisations. The redress system operates on a weekly roster with groups of six council members taking turns to receive and handle complaints and representations from the public. They also take turns to be on 'ward duty' during their duty week to meet individual complainants and to give guidance to staff in processing cases.

The Legislative Council Commission and Secretariat

The Legislative Council Commission is a statutory body independent of the Government. It is chaired by the President of the Legislative Council and consists of 12 other members. The commission's main function is to provide support and services for the Legislative Council through the Legislative Council Secretariat. It is empowered to employ staff of the Legislative Council 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 Legislative Council Secretariat is headed by the Secretary General. Its mission is to provide efficient administrative, secretariat and research support for the council and its committees, enhance the community's understanding of the activities of the council and ensure an effective avenue for redress.

District Administration

The District Administration Scheme commenced in 1982 with the establishment of a District Board and a District Management Committee in each district. Through the scheme, the Government promotes public participation in district affairs and fosters among the people of Hong Kong a sense of belonging and mutual care. The scheme also helps to ensure that the Government is responsive to district needs and problems. Following the 1998 review of the structure and functions of district organisations, District Boards have been renamed, in English, as District Councils, to underline their important role in district administration.