HKA 233/1
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
31 May 1993
MD Cartland Esq
Chairman
The Association of Members of HMOCS
8th Floor
St John's Building
33 Garden Road
Hong Kong
London SWIA 2AH
From The Minister of State
дало
Cortland
1. I understand that you wrote to the Secretary for the Civil Service on 28 April to ask about the present position on arrangements for HMOCS officers, and an indication of when decision are likely to be taken.
2. I am very much aware that HMOCS officers in Hong Kong are becoming frustrated that HMG has not yet presented a further proposal on arrangements for HMOCS for consultation with your Association. HMG is grateful to HMOCS officers for their patience and forbearance.
3. HMG has listened carefully to the Association's representations on the need for a sterling pension safeguard, a compensation scheme, and changes to the current SPOS Regulations. During the last six months matters have moved forward considerably. HMG have agreed in principle to a sterling pension safeguard scheme, and to a revised compensation scheme. Also, I understand that the Governor has decided that officers will be permitted to retire early with full payment of pension.
4. I am sure that HMOCS officers will understand that any proposal which carries substantial financial implications needs to be examined carefully, especially in the current climate for public expenditure generally and public sector pay in particular. Although much progress has been made, decisions have not yet been taken on certain important aspects of the package. We also need to resolve some legal and technical issues before drafting of the schemes can be completed.
5. I am anxious that HMG should present revised proposals to the Association as soon as possible and that further consultations should take place shortly thereafter. Although I can as yet set no date on this, I can assure you that this issue is being dealt with by HMG as a matter of urgency.
شه
تكالليمه
ALASTAIR GOODLAD
176