The Legislative Council on Monday said that from next year, members must submit their research findings and relevant suggestions when they table a non-binding motion.

Speaking at a luncheon attended by Chief Executive John Lee, the Executive Council and government officials, Legco President Starry Lee said the move was to make public policy discussions more "scientific".

"This will help the government and public better understand the intent and rationale of the motions, as well as for the public to understand debates in the chamber," she said.

According to Legco's website, members can move motions "not intended to have legislative effect" to express their views on issues of public concern, or call on the government to take certain actions.

Lee also pledged to continue supporting the administration in improving its governance efficacy by providing policy recommendations.

"The Legislative Council and its committees have so far conducted 21 local surveys on various topics. In the future, Legco will conduct more site inspections and strengthen policy advocacy capabilities," Lee said.

"I will work with the Legco Secretariat, and I also welcome the participation of members, to regularly select important issues for site visits, with the aim to come up with solid recommendations for the SAR Government, Legco committees and society to follow up."

She added that the Legco Secretariat has been using technology and big data to make the chamber more public-friendly.

Recapping the legislature's work, Lee said more than HK$130 billion of funding requests had been approved so far this year, with approximately one third of those funds going to projects in the Northern Metropolis.

She said the Northern Metropolis Development Bill would resume its second reading on Wednesday, after a committee worked overtime to complete its deliberations.



Edited by Tony Sabine