CONFIDENTIAL
HMG's influence on the way the benefits are handled.
anxiety about whether public service pensions will
Chinese sovereignty extends to local officers as well
HMOCS. HMG will therefore face pressure
as it
elsewhere
-
to look after local officers as well.
Secondly, the
secure under
as members of
has not done
6.
of employment
serve beyond
'no
The 1954 White paper undertakings about terms
after self-government for members of HMOCS who
independence are partly discharged in the case of Hong kong by Section IV of Annex 1 of the draft agreement, which includes a
detriment' provision in respect of all public service which
precedes the resumption of sovereignty. Pension rights under Hong Kong legislation (which makes no distinction between local officers
and HMOCS) are similarly safeguarded. Given these measures, five
further questions arise in respect of HMOCS.
SHOULD THERE BE A COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR HMOCS OFFICERS AFFECTED
BY CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE IN HONG KONG, AND IF SO WHO SHOULD FINANCE
IT?
7.
There i s a good argument for
compensation arrangements
proceeding now to devise
They may need to be
be used
Kong Government introduce
for Hong Kong.
in the fairly near future i f the Hong
further arrangements for localisation, for example in the senior
ranks of the Administrative Service and the Police Force. Progress
here would also help to reassure staff that
that HMG was responding to
their concerns,
difficult areas.
establish suitable
and might lessen the pressure in other, more
I t is therefore recommended that we should aim to
compensation arrangements, and that officials
should enter into discussions with the Hong Kong Government.
8.
I t is considered that Hong Kong is well able to afford to meet
the costs of this and that any pressure for HMG to do so should be
resisted The maximum cost is estimated at a one
million at current prices and exchange rates. be spread over a number of years.
off payment of £25
It would be likely to
SHOULD ARRANGEMENTS BE INTRODUCED TO SAFEGUARD THE STERLING VALUE OF
PENSIONS EARNED FROM HMOCS SERVICE UP TO 1997?
9.
The standard
arrangement
enables the pension to be freely
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