(c)
- 54 -
whether it has clearly indicated to the British Government that such compensations will definitely not be paid from the territory's public funds; if so, when and in what way this was done; if not, why not?
Reply:
Mr President :
The British Government has obligations to members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS) as set out in UK White Papers and as followed in other territories upon the loss of the Secretary of State's authority due to constitutional change. They have therefore agreed to introduce and pay for an HMOCS Compensation Scheme for HMOCS officers serving in Hong Kong. Under the Compensation Scheme officers may opt to retire between 1 July 1996 and 30 June 1997 or continue in service after ceasing to be members of HMOCS. These compensation and retirement arrangements are consistent with the British Government's obligation and HMOCS officers' terms of appointment. The answers to the specific questions are as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Approximately 550 HMOCS officers could be eligible for compensation under the HMOCS Compensation Scheme. Compensation will be payable irrespective of whether an HMOCS officer retires or continues. in service after ceasing to be a member of HMOCS.
The amount of compensation payable to individual HMOCS officers varies according to factors such as salary, length of pensionable service, age. and the pension scheme under which the officer serves. The maximum individual compensation payable is £120,000 at 1991/92 prices; which will be uprated in line with the UK Retail Price Index (the present ceiling is £134,500) and would be payable to an officer in his mid forties. The British Government estimates the total cost of the HMOCS Compensation Scheme at around £40 million.
The HMOCS Compensation Scheme will be funded entirely by the British Government. The Overseas Development Administration in UK will be responsible for detailed payment arrangements.
End/Wednesday, May 24, 1995