(b) that serving officers (men and women) would be permitted
to proceed along their respective existing salary scales,
if they so desired, when and if new salary scales
differing from existing scales were introduced (although
this did not mean that they would retain a right to
existing salary scales on promotion to a higher grade);
that women on existing. salary scales which eventually
met those of their male counterparts under the old
gradual parity" scheme (introduced prior to 1966) would
(c)
be permitted to continue to proceed along their existing
salary scales.
The Government felt unable, however, to accede to a request
made by the Staff Associations that women should have the option
of moving to the existing salary scale for men should a new equal
pay scale be introduced at a level lower than the existing scale
for men. It is to this point in p articular that the petitioners
have addressed themselves. The Government's position was,
however, clearly stated by the Governor himself in a speech in
the Legislative Council in February 1969. He said then that
"Equal pay means equal pay and not necessarily that grades must be
equated at the male level, but of course no serving officer will
suffer a reduction in salary as a result of grades being equated.
His personal position will be protected.'
#1
21 April, 1970
Erain
(E. 0. Laird)
Hong Kong Department
Jove
Tone Shepherd
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