ENG-2016 — Page 31

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Constitution and Administration

In 2015-16, the committee held one open meeting and four closed meetings, the latter to consider complaints against four members in relation to allegations of failure to register interests.

Committee on Rules of Procedure

The Committee on Rules of Procedure reviews the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council and its committee system, and proposes to the council any changes considered necessary. The committee consists of 12 members who are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council according to an election procedure determined by the House Committee.

In 2015-16, the committee held three meetings.

Committee on Access to the Legislature's Documents and Records

The Committee on Access to the Legislature's Documents and Records determines whether a document or record should be released for access earlier than the expiry of the closure period specified in the policy on access to the legislature's documents and records. The committee also sets guidelines for implementing the policy; considers any objection against the denial of access to a document or record by the Clerk to the Legislative Council; and considers any other matters relating to the policy.

In 2015-16, the committee held two closed meetings. It approved 24 requests to disclose documents and records. Approved and denied requests are listed on the legislature's website.

House Committee

The House Committee consists of all council members except the President and normally meets on Friday afternoons. It deals with matters related to the work of the council and prepares 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. In 2015-16, the House Committee held 34 meetings, including three special meetings with the Chief Secretary for Administration and senior government officials to discuss issues of public concern.

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 the council and is dissolved on the passage of the bill or when the House Committee so decides.

In the 2015-16 session, the House Committee set up 14 bills committees, in addition to 13 set up in the previous legislative sessions which continued in operation during 2015-16.

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