serving in the public service in Hong Kong may be employed to serve as public servants at all levels, except as heads of major government departments and deputy heads of some of these departments. Most of these officers, therefore, may remain in employment and continue their service with pay, allowances, benefits and conditions of service no less favourable than before. The Limited Compensation Scheme which has already been introduced by the Hong Kong Government makes provision for compensating the few exceptions to this for the loss of career.
Her Majesty's Government are conscious of their responsibilities and obligations towards members of HMOCS in Hong Kong.
However, HMOCS members who elect to remain in service in Hong Kong after 1997 cannot be regarded as serving members of HMOCS. The question of preservation → HMOCS benefits thereafter is being actively considered but no decision has yet been taken. Given the unique circumstances of Hong Kong and/the reasons for having POAS in the past, the adoption of a POA for Hong Kong may not necessarily provide the most appropriate means for safeguarding members' interests. Both Her Majesty's Government and the Hong Kong/Government fully appreciate the concern of HMOCS members and are exploring giving very practicable alternatives which can be introduced in the right of the change of sovereignty in Hong Kong. thought to how
we can most appropriately meet them.
On the question of exchange rate protection, the existing link between the Hong Kong Dollar and the US Dollar has proved extremely effective, and we do not see the need for a mechanism to preserve the value of salaries and pensions from adverse currency fluctuations. The situation will of course be kept under review.
As regards the oath of allegiance taken by members of the police force in Hong Kong, this will clearly be inappropriate post 1997.
There should be no cause for concern about access to government personnel records. For any Government to function properly on behalf of its own employees, it must have personnel records of its employees and their families - for many obvious reasons, such as payment of pensions and steps to be taken if accidents occur. The records of the Hong Kong Government to be made available to the SARG will be those necessary to enable it to function properly.
Finally, I do not think it is appropriate to engage in hypothetical discussions about the arrangements if the
careful
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