TNAG-0992-FCO40-1211-Policy-on-salaries-and-pensions-for-civil-service-in-Hong-Ko-1980 — Page 329

Given the kind of amendment we seek, we would propose to alter the preamble to the Government Regulations to make it clear that the regulations are sanctioned by the Governor's povers under Letters Patent. This ve consider would resolve the existing unsatisfactory situation and certainly give the Governor or his delegate no greater power than is possessed by the Minister for the Civil Service in relation to Her Majesty's Home Civil Service, while, of course, leaving him subject to instructions through the Principal Secretaries of State on this as upon all other matters.

10.

We accordingly seek amendment of the Letters Patent or the issue of instructions pursuant to Article II as early as possible after the

Appeal at the end of October, to provide

(a) power to enable any public officer appointed by the

Governor or Secretary of State (c.f. any person holding

office "within the Colony" which we consider is nowadays too narrow) to be suspended without remuneration or other

benefits, wholly or partially;

F

(b) an express power, additional to those in Article XVI

for the Governor to otherwise provide for the conduct, duties

and conditions of appointment and service of persons

holding public office;

(c) power for the Governor to delegate his powers under

Articles XIV and XVI and under sub-paragraph (b) above.