TNAG-2425-FCO40-3527-Hong-Kong-Her-Majesty-s-Overseas-Civil-Service-(HMOCS)-poli-1992 — Page 114

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HER MAJESTY'S OVERSEAS CIVIL SERVICE

412

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Chris Patten?

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5 Brooks 22/6

Summary

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

In 1954 and 1961 HMG enunciated a number of conditions and principles for granting compensation and retirement to HMOCS serving in the dependent territories when they ceased to be HMG's responsibility.

In the last 30 years, HMG has made provision for according such benefits to HMOCS members in such territories and to safeguard the sterling value of their pensions.

These statements and practice have given rise to reasonable expectations among Hong Kong HMOCS members that arrangements for them will follow traditional schemes.

The arrangements which up to now have been proposed for Hong Kong HMOCS members bear little relation to past conditions and principles or practice. In particular, but not exclusively, they fail to provide for retirement in 1997 with

(a)

(b)

(c)

immediate payment of earned pension,

for payment of full compensation unless the officer serves with the SAR Government, or sterling guarantee of pension payments.

The case for distinguishing Hong Kong HMOCS is unconvincing. Reasonable expectations of Hong Kong HMOCS. Reasons why Hong Kong HMOCS should be treated more favourably than proposed up to

now.

Consultation of Hong Kong HMOCS on compensation has brought about realisation of their deep discontent, possibility of judicial review if present compensation offer not improved, and Parliamentary criticism. FCO propose a new scheme for compensation. Treasury still do not accept need for sterling safeguards. Promise of

'best endeavours' to secure right of retirement in 1997 with immediate payment of earned pension.

POLACI