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HKA 233/1
FAXED TO D. fish (COA)
6/4/92 1600ks
FILE.
(220)
Ам
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF HMG IN OPENING CONSULTATIONS WITH
HMOCS REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG
1. Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered how
to make provision for members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service in the special circumstances of Hong Kong becoming an Special Administrative Region of the People's
Republic of China on 1 July 1997. The government have taken
note of the representations they have received from the
members of the Association of HMOCS in Hong Kong and other
individual officers. They also recognise that members of
HMOCS in Hong Kong wish to know as soon as possible the
results of these deliberations. The issues are complicated and despite intensive work the process of drawing up
proposals has taken longer than envisaged. The government
are grateful for the sense of responsibility and patience
shown by HMOCS officers.
2.
HMG have now formulated a proposal for an outline of a
scheme providing compensation and incentive payments to HMOCS officers and wish to consult the representatives of
the officers concerned about it. Schemes have always been
tailored to the particular circumstances in the territory
concerned and it has been the policy of HMG to try to ensure
that the arrangements that are made when the Secretary of
State relinquishes his responsibilities are not such as to
encourage members of HMOCS to leave the territory when it still needs their services. In the case of Hong Kong, it is
the policy of HMG that arrangements introduced in respect of
HMOCS should contribute to a smooth transition in 1997 and
that members of HMOCS should be encouraged to continue to serve in Hong Kong to assist in maintaining its economic
prosperity and social stability.
3.
The Joint Declaration and the Basic Law contain
provision for continuity of service with pay, conditions and
pensions on terms no less favourable than before.
REGACH/1