1992
:S:11
PAUL FIFOOT
3372723755
P.07.
HMOCS: NATURE OF PROPOSED SCHEME
Many of the representations received by Hong Kong Department criti ise the Statement handed to the representatives of members of HMOCS on th April 1992 from the standpoint of the traditional form of Compensation and Retiring Benefits Scheme normally provided by the government of a territory about to attain independence. The proposals for the Scheme now being drawn up for the members of HMOCS in Hong Kong are not proposals for such a scheme. The Government of Hong Kong have made it clear that it is not possible for them to provide such a scheme); HMOCS officers in the service of the Hong Kong Government have been fully integrated in the Hong Kong public service for many years and many non-HMOCS officers have expressed concern about their own position after the change of sovereignty). The proposed Scheme is, therefore, being drawn up, and will be funded, by the British Government. The proposals are for a new form of scheme specially geared to Hong Kong's unique circumstances - circumstances which were not specifically envisaged in the White Papers of 1954 and 1960- to provide benefits on 30th June 1997 and afterwards for members of HMOCS and those of them who decide to continue in the public service in Hong Kong after that date. The proposed Scheme provides
lements of compensation and incentive though they are not separated. It is not the intention that only the first payment constitutes compensation or that the subsequent payments are designed soley as incentives[: the latter are also intended as recognition that there will be a difference in future service in Hong Kong).
In drawing up the proposed Scheme account has been taken of the following special factors:
the detailed and binding commitments in the Joint Declaration of 1984 which provide that the socialist system and socialist policies will not be practised in Hong Kong but that Hong Kong's capitalist system and life-style will remain unchanged for 50 years, and, in particular, the commitments regarding continuity in the public service;
- the absence of a general programme for localisation;}
Hong Kong's pension laws. Under the new pensions legislation, officers with more than 10 years service may retire and preserve their entitlement to their earned pension at normal retiring age. is a common modern provision on a change of employment;.
This
- the objectives of contributing to a smooth transition in 1997 and ensuring the maximum measure of continuity (so as to assist in maintaining Hong Kong's economic prosperity and social stability];
the relatively high salaries and retiring benefits recieved by many Hong Kong HMOCS officers, by
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