ENG-2005 — Page 32

6 Constitution and Administration

Committee on Rules of Procedure

The Committee on Rules of Procedure is responsible for reviewing the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council and its committees, and proposing to the council such amendments or changes as are considered necessary. The committee consists of 12 members who 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 held eight meetings.

Bills Committees

Any member, other than the President, may join a bills committee formed by the House Committee to consider the principles and general merits of a bill allocated for scrutiny. A bills committee may also consider the detailed provisions of and amendments to the bill. It usually tables a report in council and is dissolved on the passage of the bill or when the House Committee so decides. During the 2004-2005 session, the Legislative Council set up 30 bills committees to scrutinise bills introduced into the council, including the Chief Executive Election (Amendment) (Term of Office of the Chief Executive) Bill, Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Bill, Public Health and Municipal Services (Amendment) Bill 2005, Revenue (Abolition of Estate Duty) Bill 2005, Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2005 and Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill 2005.

Subcommittees on Subsidiary Legislation

During the 2004-2005 session, the House Committee formed 15 subcommittees to consider 24 items of subsidiary legislation, and seven proposed resolutions presented by the Government for the council's approval.

Other Subcommittees

The House Committee may also appoint subcommittees to assist in the consideration of any other matters relating to the business of the council. In November 2004, following the passage of a motion on alleviating the disparity between the rich and the poor, the House Committee set up a subcommittee to study the subject of combating poverty. In January 2005, the House Committee also set up a subcommittee to study issues relating to the West Kowloon Cultural District development.

Panels

The Legislative Council has established 18 panels to monitor and examine the Government's policies and issues of public concern that 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 a small group of members to study bills or particular issues within a limited period. Select Committees report to the council.