ENG-2010 — Page 44

6 | Constitution and Administration

Council. It is also empowered to consider and investigate complaints regarding members' registration and declaration of interests, and complaints concerning the conduct of members in relation to claims for reimbursement of operating expenses or applications for advance of operating funds. It may also make recommendations to the council, including those concerning sanctions relating to members' interests, operating expenses or operating funds.

During the 2009-2010 session, the committee held one open meeting to consider the advisory guidelines on matters of ethics in relation to the conduct of members in their capacity as such, as well as the procedure for handling complaints received in relation to the registration or declaration of members' interests or claims for the reimbursement of operating expenses or applications for an advance of operating funds. The committee also held 12 closed meetings to consider complaints against several members. At the council meeting of May 26, 2010, the committee presented a report on its deliberations on a complaint against a member in relation to his conduct in claims for reimbursement of operating expenses.

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, subsidiary legislation and other instruments made under an ordinance. During the 2009-2010 session, the House Committee held 31 regular meetings.

The House Committee also holds special meetings to discuss issues of public concern. During the 2009-2010 session, the House Committee held two special meetings to discuss issues of public concern with the Chief Secretary for 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 the committee system, and for proposing to the council any amendments or changes considered necessary. The committee consists of 12 members who are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council in accordance with an election procedure determined by the council's House Committee.

During the 2009-2010 session, the committee held five meetings to study a number of issues relating to the procedural arrangements for council meetings and the procedures of committees of the council.

The Committee on Rules of Procedure presented three papers to the House Committee recommending changes to current procedures. It also presented a report to the council on July 14, 2010 setting out its deliberations on specific issues during the period under report.