concerned is the question of a General Compensation Scheme for HMOCS officers whether or not they wish to serve after
1997.
B
C
D
5.
OSPA consider that, on the basis of numerous precedents in other dependent territories, HMOCS members in Hong Kong are entitled to expect the introduction of a General Compensation Scheme for loss of career under the protection of the Secretary of State. They have been pressing us to
hurry up and announce the details. We have told OSPA that
we are working on this and hope to make an announcement
soon (Mr Maude's letter of 20 June).
6. We have never given a specific assurance that there will be a General Compensation Scheme for Hong Kong on
traditional lines and have pointed out that the
circumstances of Hong Kong are unique because the territory will not become independent and because the Joint Declaration guarantees a continuing career for serving officers on no worse terms than those prevailing before (although they will be excluded from 20 or so top jobs in the SAR Government). But Ministers have given a number of assurances that we will make "suitable compensation arrangements" for HMOCS members in Hong Kong eg Lady Young's statement in the House of Lords on 14 March 1985, Mr Luce's letter to Mr Pusinelli of 15 April 1985 (which elaborated on Lady Young's statement) and Lord Glenarthur's letter of
9 August 1988 which reaffirmed these assurances.
E
7.
OSPA's concern was aroused, however, by Mr Maude's letter of 21 August 1989 to Mr Matthew Taylor MP which appeared to suggest that we did not intend to introduce a
General Compensation Scheme. Our draft proposals for a Compensation Incentive Scheme (on which I shall be
submitting shortly) will fall very short of OSPA's
expectations for a traditional General Compensation Scheme.
PJYAPW/2
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.