ENG-2008 — Page 43

Constitution and Administration | 7

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 or bills. Select committees report to the council after they have completed consideration of such matters or bills. 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 actions or policies, and lodge complaints against government departments and other organisations. The redress system operates a weekly roster with groups of six 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 give guidance to staff in processing cases.

The Legislative Council Commission and Legislative Council Secretariat

The Legislative Council Commission is a statutory body independent of the Government. It is chaired by the President of the Legislative Council. In the 2007- 2008 session, the commission comprised 12 members, including the chairman. The commission's main function is to provide administrative 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 the council and its committees with professional and efficient support and services, enhance the community's understanding of the activities of the council and ensure an effective avenue for redress.

District Administration

The District Administration Scheme started 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. a sense of belonging and mutual care among the people of Hong Kong. The scheme also helps to ensure that the Government is responsive to district needs and problems. Following a 1998 review of the structure and functions of district organisations, District Boards were renamed District Councils (DC) in 2000 to underline their important role in reflecting public opinion and monitoring the delivery of public services at district level.