(b)
(c)
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of the aspects of the issue on which the Chinese and British sides cannot come to an agreement; and
how the Government will classify the personal data of senior civil servants in order to determine which categories of documents can be handed over to the Chinese side and which categories are to be sent back to Britain?
Answer:
Mr President,
There is a significant measure of agreement between the Chinese and British sides over civil service issues. Both sides attach considerable importance of a stable civil service with good morale to a smooth transition for Hong Kong. Both sides have agreed that informal get togethers should be held in Hong Kong to enable Chinese Officials and senior Hong Kong civil servants to get to know each other better. Three such gatherings have been held to date - to the satisfaction of both sides.
As to the question of files containing personal data on senior civil servants, our position is very clear. Such files are no different from any other files in the Hong Kong archives. In accordance with the agreement reached between the Chinese and British sides in 1990, the British side will transfer to the Chinese side all archives necessary for the proper administration of the future SAR. There will be no physical movement of the files. Files containing personal data of civil servants will be dealt with no differently from other files. No categories of material in these personnel files will be sent to Britain.
As we have stated previously, in order to enable the Chief Executive (Designate) to nominate Principal Officials for appointment, we will provide him with access to the necessary personal files and information well before 1997. As for providing the Chinese side with information on senior civil servants, we are already handing over detailed biographical notes on all those officers who are and will be attending the informal get togethers. We believe these to be comprehensive and useful.
End