in both the quantity and quality of induction training
and instruction in basic skills.
What we now need is a
corresponding effort aimed at equipping middle grade officers
with the perspectives and skills needed for management posts.
9.
Miss Dunn made a plea that experienced officers in
their prime should be dissuaded from retiring at too early
an age. She will be glad to know that I shall shortly be
consulting the staff associations on a package of measures
designed to encourage efficient officers to continue in the
service for as long after 55 as they are able to contribute
effectively. Among other things I shall be proposing that
officers retained beyond 55 should in future be eligible
for promotion. Given continued expansion of the public
service I do not think that the measures I have in mind will
in practice materially impede the advancement of younger
officers of ability.
10.
Many people would share Miss Dunn's view that too
high a proportion of Administrative Officers are concentrated
in the Secretariat, the Home Affairs Department and the
New Territories Administration.
However,
Administrative
Officers are now serving in 15 other departments, the latest
to acquire one being the Kowloon Canton Railway, where the
•
General Manager now has an A.0. assisting with the
administrative aspects of the modernisation and electrification
programme.
11/....