the interests of continuity.
This does not, however, mean that we have no plans of introducing some form of compensation. I am not yet in a position to say exactly what form this compensation will take. However, I hope that the Government will be able to make an announcement on this before long.
I do not think that this represents a diminution of HMG's commitment to HMOCS members. I am of course well aware of the assurances given in the past - quoted in your letter. And I would again wish to reiterate that this very much remains the position. The British Government has not shirked its responsibilities towards HMOCS members in the past and we continue to have very much in mind the concerns of HMOCS members in Hong Kong both up to and beyond 1997.
Francis Maude