7
agreed channels for the staff side to present and argue
their views. Its advice should be expert and impartial,
and should take into account the best interests of the
community at large.
18.
I am able to announce that it has been decided to
set up without delay a review body, or some form of commission,
on a standing basis. The Staff Side of the Senior Civil
Service Council will be consulted shortly on the terms of
reference and membership of the new standing body. I hope
that it will then be possible to put firm proposals to the
Governor in Council before the end of the calendar year.
19.
I believe, Sir, that with goodwill all round,
the new standing body will provide an effective means of
keeping salary scales and class structures under review,
and recommending changes whenever the need arises. In
setting up this new review body we shall have taken a major
step towards improving staff relations within the civil
service, for practically all major disputes, and certainly
all disputes involving industrial action, have concerned those
pay and structure matters which it is proposed to include
in its terms of reference. However, it must be understood
that the size and complexity of the Hong Kong Civil Service
are now such that a thorough review will necessarily take
time.
20.
On staff relations generally, we must not overlook
the fact that the seeds of discontent in the civil service
/are....