discussion said their point would largely be met if something could be added to the Agreement to the effect that the pro- ceedings of the Council would be conducted in the spirit of British Civil Service Whitleyism. Mr. Clinton invited the staff side's attention to a statement made by a former Secretary General of the National Staff Side of the British Civil Service Whitley Council in which emphasis was placed on the responsibility of both staff and management in preserving good relations. Mr. Clinton suggested consideration might be given to including in the Agreement something on the lines of "both sides will make every endeavour to conduct the business of the Council in a spirit of mutual trust and respect". It was agreed that a phrase on these lines would be acceptable and that the precise wording could be further considered at a later date when the press release was drafted. As the proposed fourth amendment (the re-numbering of a paragraph) was consequential on the unacceptable third amendment, this did not arise.
45.
It was agreed that it was not necessary for the two sides to sign the Agreement again on account of the two amendments agreed upon and that recording of the changes in the minutes (and the issue of an amended Constitution) would suffice.
45.
Press Release
It was agreed that a release on the implementation of Equal Pay for Women would be drafted for the staff side's perusal after the views of the H.K.C.C.S.A. and S.N.E.0.A. on the draft Circuler were received. Mention would be made in the release that assurances on equal pay were still sought by the staff side. It was agreed that the release should also mention the decision to continue the work of the Senior Civil Service Council.
Other Business
46.
Housing for Local Officers
Mr. Lai requested news of progress on the proposed extension of eligibility for quarters for local officers.
Mr. Henderson said it had not been possible to make fast progress on the proposals because of the financial implications. Possible methods of implementing the proposals would however be considered by Establishment Policy Committee within the next few weeks.
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