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Constitution and Administration

outcome of the consultation will be reported to the Committee on Members' Interests of the Fifth Legislative Council for its consideration.

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 2011-2012 session, the House Committee set up 12 bills committees to scrutinise 12 bills introduced into the council. Thirty bills committees, including 18 which were set up in previous sessions, were in operation during the 2011-2012 session.

Subcommittees on Subsidiary Legislation

During the 2011-2012 session, the House Committee formed 20 subcommittees to consider 37 items of subsidiary legislation and two proposed resolutions presented by the Government for the council's approval.

Other Subcommittees

The House Committee may also appoint subcommittees to assist its consideration of policy issues and any other matters relating to the council's business. In April 2012, the House Committee formed a subcommittee to consider proposed senior judicial appointments. In addition, four subcommittees on policy issues or other council business appointed under the House Committee in previous sessions continued to operate during the 2011-2012 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 examine relevant policy matters. Panels may appoint subcommittees or joint subcommittees to study specific issues and to report to the panels. Nine such subcommittees set up during the Fourth Legislative Council continued to operate in the 2011-2012 session.

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 the consideration of such matters or bills. On 29 February 2012, the council passed a resolution to appoint a select committee to study Mr Leung Chun-ying's involvement as a member of the jury in the West Kowloon Reclamation Concept Plan Competition and related issues. Between 17 March and 21 April 2012, the Select Committee held six public hearings to receive evidence from 17 witnesses. The Select Committee submitted its report to the council on 27 June 2012.

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