TNAG-0991-FCO40-1210-Policy-on-salaries-and-pensions-for-civil-service-in-Hong-Ko-1980 — Page 301

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but also for the other Dependent Territories and even, con- ceivably, for the UK. Assuming, however, that, the Courts do uphold the Government's right to enforce regulations which it has established for the administration of its own public service, then the need for any change will be less obvious.

There may also be political implications to be taken into account before any changes are made, though I do not think I need to go into these until it becomes apparent that change is needed.

5. We also asked Rushford whether there was any additional advice he could give on your defence of the Dispensers' action. He doubted whether there was anything he could usefully add from his own experience to the advice you have already received from your own law officers. It is possible that our consultations with the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Civil Service Department may throw up some other useful points that you could use, though it is doubtful whether the replies will be available before the opening of the hearing on 28 February: we shall let you know by telegram if anything useful does emerge.

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

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