}
independence. The Agreements also usually included an undertaking
to the effect that the territory would comply with a request to
allow former members of HMOCS to transfer to another territory.
There
also was
undertaking that
would pensions
be paid
externally at the exchange rate prevailing at Independence.
an
We are by no means convinced that the special circumstances of
Hong Kong require the adoption of a Public Officers' Agreement.
As far as HMOCS in Hong Kong is concerned the position is
different from that which existed elsewhere as countries moved to
Independence. The 1997 date for hand-over has been well known for many years and career expectations were thus limited by this date
and by the absence of alternative dependent territories with
But in any significant manpower requirements to permit transfers. case many of the POA clauses are already written in to the
British Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong. There are
Sino
categorical assurances that there will be no loss of career for
expatriate officers as a result of the transfer of sovereignty in
1997 and pay etc will be no less favourable than before; the
Declaration also confirms that the Special Administrative Region
will pay pensions on terms no less favourable irrespective of
nationality or place of residence. In view of these categorical assurances, it would not be appropriate for HMG to introduce
alternative guarantee. However, as we move towards 1997 we will
keep under review whether the desirability of similar arrangements
for Hong Kong would be appropriate.
an
Having said that, I can well understand the fears about exchange
rates and the way this might affect the value of pensions.
Traditionally, pensions have been guaranteed under a POA at the
exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transfer of
sovereignty.
deller
The Hong Kong dollar is linked to the US Then EITHER (as in your draft) There are no plans to change
this link which has proved extremely effective. Her Majesty's
Government are conscious of their general responsibilities in
relation to public service pensions.]
OR The Hong Kong dollar is linked to the US dollar and this
2.
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