TNAG-2059-FCO40-2937-Hong-Kong-Overseas-Service-Pensioners--Association-(OSPA)-1990 — Page 81

Dear David

PENSIONS

Ca

"Wymering"

Sheet Common Nr. Petersfield Hants GU31 5AT

8 January 1990

You will remember that EXCO made three positive recommendations when this subject was considered about a year ago, viz, that

"(a) further thought should be given as to what sort of relief, if any, could be given in individual cases of hardship;

(b) the merits of using a different consumer price index

as the basis for adjusting pensions should be studied;

and

(c) further research should be conducted on possible schemes to safeguard pensions paid overseas against extreme fluctuations.

You promised action along these lines and that you would keep me informed of developments.

Can you now report ?

Se

Although we have been getting somewhere between HKD 12 13 to the GBP for the last few months, which is a lot better than 13 - 14.75 about a year ago, HK - UK pensioners are still vulnerable to the vagaries of the HKD USD GBP link and exchange rates. For those of us who retired after the SPOS rules were changed on pensions calculated at rates under IKD 11 to the GBP losses are still considerable.

I am copying this to Barrie Wiggham, your SCS, for his action as a vigorous new broom !

Happy New Year !

Deuss even

Сашин

(Colvyn laye )

Sir David Ford, KBE, LVO,

Chief Secretary's Office, Government Secretariat, Hong Kong.