SPEAKING NOTE
Despite the recent assurances by the Minister of
State and the Chief Secretary that HMG recognizes the concerns
of members of our Association, and is drawing up arrangements
for HMOCS Officers arising from the transfer of sovereignty on
1 July 1997 from the United Kingdom to the Peoples' Republic
of China, we are extremely disappointed that there has been no
announcement to date in respect of a general compensation
scheme, and guarantees for the sterling value of pensions.
You will be aware that the terms of these latest assurances
are identical to those given by Baroness Young speaking for
the Government in the House of Lords in March 1985.
2.
You have acknowledged the critical role played by
Members of HMOCS in maintaining effective administration and
stability in Hong Kong during the transition period from
British to Chinese sovereignty. We have explained why HMOCS
Members need to know now what compensation arrangements are to
be made in order to make considered decisions about their
future, and that of their families; they also need to have
this information in sufficient time to decide whether or not
to join the New Pension Scheme, The continuing absence of any announcement is having an adverse impact on morale, which is likely to deteriorate rapidly unless the question of