ENG-2016 — Page 32

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Constitution and Administration

Subcommittees on Subsidiary Legislation

In 2015-16, the House Committee formed 23 subcommittees to consider 48 items of subsidiary legislation, one technical memorandum and three 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 council-related matters. Four such subcommittees appointed in the previous sessions continued in operation during 2015-16.

Panels

The council has 18 panels for members to deliberate on policy matters and study issues of public concern. These panels also give views on major legislative and financial proposals before their introduction into the council or its Finance Committee, and examine relevant policy matters. Panels may appoint subcommittees or joint subcommittees to study specific issues. Twelve such subcommittees completed their work in 2015-16.

Select Committees

The council may appoint select committees for members to consider matters or bills. Select committees report to the council after completing their work. Based on the referral of a petition at the 25 June 2014 council meeting, a select committee was formed to inquire into a construction delay in the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. The committee held 14 closed meetings and five public hearings on the issue in 2015- 16 and tabled its report in council on 6 July 2016.

Redress System

The council operates a system which enables members of the public to seek help for redress of grievances resulting from government actions or policies. The redress system also deals with public representations on government policies and legislation as well as other matters of public concern. Members take turns, in groups of seven, to be on duty each week to oversee the redress system and to receive representations and complaints made by deputations. They also take turns to be on 'ward duty' at the Public Complaints Office during their duty week to meet individual complainants and give guidance to the office on the processing of cases.

The Legislative Council Commission and Legislative Council Secretariat

The Legislative Council Commission is a 13-member independent statutory body chaired by the President of the Legislative Council. Its main function is to provide administrative support and services to the council through the Legislative Council Secretariat. It employs the secretariat's staff and oversees its work, determines the organisation and administration of support services and facilities, formulates and executes policies on their effective operation, and expends funds in ways it sees fit to support these activities. The 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 public understanding of the council's work and ensure the effective operation of its redress system.

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