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HONG KONG HMOCS: CONSULTATIONS: 7-11 MAY 1992

1.

This note lists the points made by HMOCS representatives during these consultations.

General principles

2. Our proposal did not constitute an equitable basis for discussion. They would therefore not be drawn to offer detailed comments on it (but see paras 18-22 below). They suggested off-the-record discussion; they adduced our rejection of this proposal as a reason for their refusing to offer comments "without prejudice".

3. Hong Kong HMOCS officers were entitled to a package of arrangements at the change of sovereignty which applied the principles set out in the White Papers and implemented in all other Dependent Territories when the Secretary of State's protection was removed:

(a) a general compensation scheme providing for full compensation for loss of career in Crown service with the Secretary of State's protection and for the right to retire at or before the change of sovereignty and at any point thereafter, with immediate payment of earned pension (perhaps with pensionable entitlement enhanced as under the provisions of the Hong Kong Limited Compensation Scheme);

(b) a sterling safeguard of pensions at a fair rate.

4. They did not see anything so special about Hong Kong's circumstances as to justify the non-application of these principles. In so far as Hong Kong's circumstances were special, those circumstances would justify giving HMOCS

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