ENG-2007 — Page 38

6 Constitution and Administration

Committee. During the 2006-2007 session, the committee held seven meetings to study a wide range of issues relating to the procedural arrangements of the council, and the procedures and working mechanism of the committees of the council.

Bills Committees

Any member, other than the President, may join a bills committee formed by the House Committee to consider the general merits and principles 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 2006-2007 session, the Legislative Council set up 19 bills committees to scrutinise bills introduced into the council, including the Race Discrimination Bill, Housing (Amendment) Bill 2007, Shenzhen Bay Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, Mainland Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Bill, Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2007, Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Amendment) Bill 2007, Prevention of Bribery (Amendment) Bill 2007 and Independent Police Complaints Council Bill. A total of 27 bills committees, including eight carried forward from the previous sessions, were in operation during the 2006-2007 session.

Subcommittees on Subsidiary Legislation

During the 2006-2007 session, the House Committee formed 17 subcommittees to consider 28 items of subsidiary legislation, an instrument made under an ordinance, and four 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. Three such subcommittees were appointed during the 2006-2007 session.

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 examined relevant policy matters referred to them.

Select Committees

The Legislative Council may appoint select committees to enable members to consider matters or bills. Select committees report to the council after they have completed consideration of such matters. No select committee was appointed during the session.

Redress System

The Legislative Council operates a redress system under which members of the public may seek assistance for redressing any grievance resulting from government