TNAG-2690-FCO40-3892-Hong-Kong-Her-Majesty-s-Overseas-Civil-Service-(HMOCS)-poli-1994 — Page 145

Finformation on

23 November 1993

SECRET

307

Blue Volume XXXXXVII (6)

par /woes.

XCX(93)54 Copy No. 28

NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF HER MAJESTY'S OVERSEAS CIVIL SERVICE

INTRODUCTION

HKA 233/1

2 U 1993

On 17 March 1992, this Council noted memorandum XCX(92)19 advising that HMG had agreed to introduce and fund a General Compensation Scheme for members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS) in Hong Kong as a result of the loss of the Secretary for State's authority upon the change of sovereignty in 1997. The Council also noted its earlier advice that this was entirely a matter for HMG.

2

This memorandum informs Members of the present position on HMOCS arrangements.

BACKGROUND

3

HMOCS was established in 1954 to replace the separate branches of HM Colonial Service. The Colonial Service itself dates from the middle of the 19th century, when formalised recruitment and appointment procedures were adopted in London to provide staff for the public services in the various colonies, protectorates and other territories for which HMG was responsible.

4

Membership of HMOCS was open to officers appointed by, or on behalf of, the Secretary of State to serve on overseas terms of service in the dependent territories. With the coming of independence and other constitutional changes worldwide from the late 1950's onwards, HMOCS is now a rapidly declining service. Transfers between territories are now

rare.

Executive Council