TNAG-2687-FCO40-3889-Hong-Kong-Her-Majesty-s-Overseas-Civil-Service-(HMOCS)-poli-1993 — Page 32

31 May 1993

MD Cartland Esq Chairman,

HMOCS Association,

Hong Kong

1. I understand that you wrote to the Secretary for the Civil Service on 28 April to ask about the present position on arrangements for HMOCS officers, and an indication of when decision are likely to be taken.

2. I am very much aware that HMOCS officers in Hong Kong are becoming frustrated that HMG has not yet presented a further proposal on arrangements for HMOCs for consultation with your Association. HMG is grateful to HMOCS officers for their patience and forbearance.

3. During the last six months matters have moved forward considerably. HMG have agreed in principle to a sterling pension safeguard scheme, and to a revised compensation scheme. The compensation scheme will include provision for officers to retire early with full payment of pension.

4. I am sure that HMOCS officers will understand that any proposal which carries substantial financial implications needs to be examined carefully and, although much progress has been made, decisions have not yet been taken on certain important aspects of the package. We also need to resolve some legal and technical issues before drafting of the schemes can be completed.

Although I

5. I am anxious that HMG should present revised proposals to the Association as soon as possible and that further consultations should take place shortly thereafter. can as yet set no date on this, I can assure you that this issue is being dealt with by HMG as a matter of urgency.

let.cart.ADM

SLM

ALASTAIR GOODLAD