ENG-2004 — Page 31

Constitution and Administration 15

Public Accounts Committee

The Public Accounts Committee considers reports of the Director of Audit on the accounts of the Government and the results of his value-for-money audits of Government departments and other organisations that are within the purview of public audit. It may invite government officials and public organisations or any other persons to attend public hearings to give explanations, evidence or information. The seven members of the committee are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council in accordance with the election procedure determined by the Council's House Committee.

During the session under review, the Committee continued its study of three chapters in the Director of Audit's Report No. 40 relating to the University Grants Committee funded institutions. It also examined the Director of Audit's Report on the Accounts of the Government for the year ending March 31, 2003 and the Reports on the Results of Value for Money Audits (Reports Nos. 41 and 42). The Committee held 14 public hearings and 31 internal meetings during the period. The conclusions and recommendations of the Committee are contained in the Committee's Reports Nos. 40A, 41 and 42, which were tabled in the Legislative Council on November 19, 2003, February 25, 2004 and June 23, 2004 respectively.

Committee on Members' Interests

The Committee on Members' Interests comprises seven members who are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council. It considers matters pertaining to the declaration of interests and matters of ethics in relation to the conduct of Members of the Legislative Council. It is also empowered to consider and investigate complaints regarding members' registration and declaration of interests, and make recommendations to the Council relating to matters concerning members' interests. The Committee examines arrangements for the compilation, maintenance and accessibility of the Register of Members' Interests. The Committee did not hold any meetings during the session.

House Committee

The House Committee, which consists of all members except the President, elects its Chairman and the Deputy Chairman. The Committee normally meets on Friday afternoons and is responsible for dealing with matters related to the work of the Legislative Council and preparing members for Council meetings. It decides whether bills committees or subcommittees should be formed to scrutinise bills and subsidiary legislation. During the 2003-2004 session, the House Committee held 30 regular meetings.

The House Committee also holds special meetings to discuss issues of public concern. During the session under review, the House Committee held two special meetings to discuss issues of public concern with the Chief Secretary for Administration.