TNAG-1280-FCO40-1631-Public-Service-in-Hong-Kong-devolution-of-Secretary-of-State-1983 — Page 4

CONFIDENTIAL

HKK 256 (2/6

VEC IN ALGISTRY

20 JAN 1984

Mr Howlett

Research Dept.

OAB 2/76

INDEX

No

вик

PA

DELEGATION OF SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IN DEPENDANT. TERRITORIES

see (7)

1. We spoke. I understand that HMG's practice in dependant territories as they developed constitutionally was to establish a full-time advisory Public Services Commission which assumed some of the duties of the Civil Service Branch in the territory, including responsibility for the more important disciplinary matte and began increasingly to take over some of the other functions set out in Colonial Regulations. At a later stage, the PSC became executive, and the Governor was usually obliged to accept its recommendations.

2. The aim of this development was I understand, to insulate as far as possible appointments, promotions and discipline in the Public Service from political interference, although some senior posts could only be filled after consultation with the Prime Minister. As a result, by the time of independance Colonial Regulations no longer applied and all their provisions were included in the Constitution or in the PSC regulations. I enclose a copy of the Bahamas constitution which illustrates this.

3.

I should be grateful if you could give me more information, on the basis of past precedents, as to what were the various stages in which the Secretary of State devolved his powers in respect of the public service in dependant territories to the Government of th territory.

главал

28 November 1983

R J F Hoare

Hong Kong Department