ONE of the key functions of the Legislative Council is to scrutinise and approve government revenue and expenditure. Last week, the Legco Finance Committee (FC) held three all-day special meetings to question policy branch secretaries and department heads on the Draft Estimates in the 1995-96 Budget.
Unfortunately, just as in previous years, the meetings were poorly attended. The start of the first session on the first day had to be delayed for 15 minutes because there were only seven members, one short of a quorum.
Unlike other national parliaments, Legco has only 60 members, including three senior government officials and the president. Thus the onerous burden of serving on Legco's 40-odd committees falls on the shoulders of 56 members. Sadly, a good number do not pull their weight.
On many occasions during last week's FC meetings, there was no quorum, but no one raised any objection because the meeting would have had to be halted until a quorum could be found.
Some members did not even bother to put in an appearance. This may be because they know their days are numbered and they do not care if people accuse them of being lazy and irresponsible.
After the September 17 Legco elections, there may well be 50 to 70 per cent new faces. I hope the new members will be more conscientious and diligent than some of the current persistent non-performers.