G.F. 326
CONFIDENTIAL **
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT
Report of the Civil Service Branch for
the period 1 November 1984 to 31 January 1985
Future Arrangements for the Public Service
Civil Service Branch is considering what changes should
be made to the existing arrangements for the public service in the
light of the provisions of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the
future of Hong Kong. Amongst other things it is reviewing recruitment
with particular reference to the policy applicable to non-Chinese
nationals. The role of the Public Service Commission is also being
examined to determine the extent to which powers at present vested
in the Governor and the Secretary of State might be transferred to
the Commission.
2.
In addition the laws and regulations regarding service
pensions and dependants' pensions are being studied to ascertain to
what extent these require modification and updating. Suitable
arrangements are being drawn up to allow for the compensation of
officers whose careers are adversely affected by the provisions of
the Joint Declaration.
Participation by Civil Servants in Public Election and Political Activities
3.
The development of representative Government, and in
particular the establishment of functional constituencies, has led
to pressure from civil service union leaders for changes in the
legislation and regulations which debar civil servants from engaging
in political activities. Consideration is therefore being given to
whether the existing rules should be relaxed and if so to what extent.
Mood and Morale of the Civil Service
4.
Over the past year civil servants have sustained a high
level of performance and 'on the job' morale remains high despite the
increased workload brought about by constraints on the growth of the
civil service and prolonged anxiety over Hong Kong's future which to a large extent has been allayed with the publication of the Joint
/Declaration
...
CONFIDENTIAL ##
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