PUBLIC OFFICERS AGREEMENT
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I do not rule out a public officers agreement in due course. But it is possible that in the unique circumstances of Hong Kong there may prove to be other ways of laying down the provisions to be applied to members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service.
Some areas normally covered by such agreements have already been satisfactorily set out in the Joint Declaration, which provides for continuity of service and of terms and conditions of service, including pensions, and in a limited compensation scheme introduced last year by the Hong Kong Government.
GENERAL COMPENSATION SCHEME
Her Majesty's Government have made it clear that the transfer of Government in 1997 raises issues regarding Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service that are similar to those raised in other dependent
territories at independence.
Question of general compensation scheme will have to be addressed at the appropriate time.
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