26 November 1992
BY FAX
Mr Paul Fifoot
Dear Paul,
faced 26/11
634
HKA 233/1
HMOCS: REMAINING POLICY ISSUES ON OFFICERS TRANSFERRING FROM CONTRACT TO PENSIONABLE SERVICE AND TO HMOCS STATUS
You kindly agreed to take a final look at the draft submission and statement on this subject. These are attached.
1.
2.
You will notice that I have brought forward the date by which officers must transfer to pensionable terms and commence buying back or undertake to buy back service. I have done this as it has come to light that officers can make a commitment to buy back pension over an extended period and do not have to refund their gratuities as a lump sum. Judicial officers are currently able to buy back their pension at any time before retirement. The Registrar, Supreme Court recommends that we give these officers a deadline (I propose 31 March 1993) to sign an undertaking that they will buy back service.
3.
I also attach a letter from Mike Waters proposing some amendments to the statement. I have incorporated these, although I am unsure about his proposal that we should in certain paragraphs refer only to a compensation scheme as opposed to a compensation and incentive scheme. Whilst I appreciate his concern, the fact is that the Treasury have not yet agreed that it should be only a compensation scheme. I would be grateful for your advice on whether we can accept Mr Waters' proposal.
Your ever Nijel
NC G Whitney
Hong Kong Department
cc: Mr Fisk, ODA
fax.fif.ADM
SLM