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As regards the composition of the quota, a major revision was made in 1979. The allocation was divided into a General Quota, through which the Master Pay Scale and the Model Scale 1 staff are allocated units, and a Special Quota for junior Police officers and rank and file officers in the disciplined services, who occupy government departmental quarters and are within ten years of their minimum retirement age. The distribution of the quota between the various categories is subject to discussion with the Staff Sides. The distribution since 1991/92 has been MPS 660; MOD 1 440; JPO 400; other rank and file 200. The rental element of the sub-quota for JPO and rank and file officers in the disciplined services has been undersubscribed for the last five years. In last year's quota 92 units were returned to the general quota pool.
The eligibility criteria are officers on or below point 21 on the Master Pay Scale (currently $22,035) and on or below point 28 on the police Pay Scale (currently $28,015), all rank and file officers in the Disciplines Services (maximum point $23,180) and all Model Scale 1 staff (maximum point $9,225) are within these para- meters. Length of service determines priority in allocation. This scheme does not in any way affect the eligibility of those officers who wish to apply through the general waiting list. Indeed for those eligible this is an additional option.
The quota is set by the Housing Authority on the advice of the Housing Department. Civil Service Branch negotiates annually with the Housing Department on the size of the quota and the distribution of the units in the various public housing estates and Home Ownership estates. As a result of the negotiations this year, Civil Service Branch was able to secure the first increase in the size of the Quota for ten years. But we have also had to accept a reduction in the number of rental units. The Quota for 1995/1996 will be 1,950, compared with 1,700 previously. It comprises 750 rental units, 700 Home Ownership Scheme units and 500 Home Purchase Loan Scheme places. Recently, the amount of the Home Purchase Loan has been increased from $300,000 to $600,000. The loan is interest-free.
We have not and do not intend to change the policy. The Civil Service Housing Quota though not an entitlement is an important form of staff welfare for junior staff. There is therefore no question of compensation being paid for the changes in the Quota. The changes in the Quota this year have been caused by developments in the public housing programme. I am fully aware of the situation faced by the Housing Authority and believe that civil servants will understand that this will have an effect on the Quota. At the same time, however, I feel it is important to ensure that civil servants can be reasonably allocated residential units. The reduction in rental units has been more than offset by the increase in the Home Ownership Scheme units and the introduction of the Home Purchase Loan Scheme places.