While I have made no reference to the difference between expatriate and local pensioners, and you cannot for political reasons, the distinction nonetheless remains. So long as they exist, expatriate officers are different from local officers, whatever the case that may be made out in today's circumstances for helping any of the latter who choose to settle abroad. And, as I have remarked, there is now an
expatriate element in the salary packages being put together by the private sector in Hong Kong which is being reflected in HKG salary revisions.
May I make three more points ?
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HK/UK members of OSPA will think it strange that it has taken the Secretariat over a year to arrive at the results outlined in your letter of 15 February; even stranger that both HKG and HMG persist in deeming protection of the value of HK/UK pensions the other's business.
The little fund to which you refer will serve small purpose as one off relief for HK/UK pensioners in straitened circumstances due to recurring losses attributable to the HKD/USD/GBP link and exchange rates. If the fund is used at all, perhaps it should be for " relief" of low level local pensioners.
And finally, a statutorily based adjustment formula, while welcome, will require some careful drafting if the concept is not to become an issue for the JLG (although everything seems to wind up with the JLG!)
This is being copied again to Barrie Wiggham to cut his teeth on when he becomes Secretary for the Civil Service next month. As a member of EXCO in his personal capacity and before he joins the ranks of HK/UK pensioners one day, as you will, albeit insulated by salary increases in the manner described on the foregoing page, he may have some ideas on the issues I have raised.
I trust it is not too late to incorporate some of this thinking in the paper you said you hope to take to EXCO in April ?
(Colvyn Haye )
Sir David Ford KBE LVO Chief Secretary's Office Government Secretariat Lower Albert Road Hong Kong
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