TNAG-1734-FCO40-2447-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 223

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On the first item, at present, the approval of early payment of a deferred pension applies both to the commuted pension gratuity and to the reduced monthly pension. However, there may be circumstances which warrant early payment of the gratuity only; for example, extreme financial hardship on the part of the pensioner. Clause 5 therefore amends the Pension Benefits Ordinance to allow this flexibility.

On the second item, Section 31(2) of the Pension Benefits Ordinance inadvertently imposes a limitation on the amount of deductions which can be made from an officer's pension benefits for the recovery of debts due to the Government, even though the officer concerned may have consented to larger

larger deductions. The original intention was that there should be a limit on deductions,

percent at 25% of pension benefits, only where the officer does

not consent. The legislation in its existing form has caused practical difficulties to the Government in the administration of the civil service Housing Loan and Down Payment Loan Schemes. Clause 7 of the Bill therefore seeks to rectify the situation and Clause 8 effects a f similar amendment to Section 12 of the Pensions Ordinance

to cover arrangements under the old pension scheme.

Sir, I move that the debate on this motion be

now adjourned.

Question on adjournment proposed, put and agreed to.