2.
LOCSEN
SECRET UK EYES A
of 262) depending on the sqn structure - with furthe savings possible if administrative support at Sek Kong (eg Joint Messes) is combined once overall numbers have reduced sufficiently. Further reductions in AE would yield additional manpower savings, which have yet to be quantified.
LEPS. The current strength of LEPS is about 1650, with some 1275 in the HKMSC and 375 in the HK Chinese Naval Division. It is likely that the numbers of LEP will fall broadly in parallel with the overall reduction of the garrison. It may be possible to reduce some grades of LEP (and/LEC) by putting tasks out to contract, or by replacing some LEPS with Gurkhas; moreover, some LEPS (eg from the Army Dog Unit (DASU HK RAVC)) are expected to be transferred to HKG/service. Once the rundown plan has been agreed, a separate plan for the rundown of the LEP force will be prepared. Since most trades would be required through to 1997, retention and subsequent re-employment after 1997 is a key issue. It is intended to review LEP conditions of service with respect to redundancy and gratuity provision.
3. LECS. There are some 3250 LECS covering all UK departments (less FCO), of whom about 3000 are employed by the garrison. Since half are over 40 years old, natural wastage will assist the LEC rundown process. The planning concept to be adopted will involve modelling the retention requirement to 1997 against the detailed garrison withdrawal plan, then accounting for natural wastage and the scope for transfer to HKG service, before finalizing any incentive scheme for those who need to be retained.
4. Future of LEPS and LECS. The HKG does not accept in principle any obligation for the employment of LEPS/LECS made redundant by the garrison rundown and withdrawal. However, they have agreed to co-operate as fully as possible to find employment within HKG service for those LEPS and LFCs with
COS S/173(1)
13 2 UK EYES A
SECRET LOCSEN