21 One Minister may act for another
In this Constitution and in every enactment, unless the context otherwise requires, words directing or empowering any Minister to do any act or thing, or otherwise applying to him by his title of office, include any other Minister acting for, or, if the office is vacant, in the place of that first-mentioned Minister, and also his successors in that office.
The Executive Council
22 Executive Council
(1) There shall be an Executive Council of the Cook Islands, which shall consist of—
- (a) The High Commissioner; and
- (b) The members of Cabinet.
(2) No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the Executive Council unless there are present the High Commissioner and at least three members of Cabinet or, if there are for the time being only four members of Cabinet, unless there are present the High Commissioner and at least two members of Cabinet.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Executive Council may regulate its procedure in such manner as it thinks fit.
Schedule Article 22(1)(a): substituted, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
Schedule Article 22(2): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
23 Clerk of the Executive Council
The Secretary to the Cabinet shall also be the Clerk of the Executive Council.
24 Meetings of Executive Council
The Executive Council shall be summoned only by the High Commissioner, acting in his discretion, or by the Premier.
Schedule Article 24: amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
25 Consideration of Cabinet decisions by Executive Council
(1) A meeting of the Executive Council may be summoned to consider any decision recorded in the minutes of a Cabinet meeting.
(2) If at a meeting of the Executive Council thus summoned the High Commissioner, acting in his discretion, concurs in the decision concerned, that decision shall take effect as a decision of Cabinet.
(3) If at a meeting of the Executive Council thus summoned the High Commissioner does not concur in the decision concerned or requests any amendment
