G.F. 326

CONFIDENTIAL # ≈

3

The principal area for concern remains the lawyer grades and a revised

remuneration package, designed to improve the Government's ability

to attract and retain local lawyers, is currently under consideration

by Finance Branch. In 1985-86 ten Government Training Scholarships

out of a total of 25 will be allocated for legal training and, if a

bid for additional funds to finance ten additional awards is successful,

consideration will be given to increasing the number of legal scholarships.

In the meantime the bonding arrangements for Government Training

Scholarships are being tightened up and this should help to reduce the

retention problem with ex-legal scholars.

9.

Following the reduction in the experience requirement for

Cantonese-speaking Magistrates from 7 to 5 years a recent recruitment

exercise has resulted in the recommendation to the Judicial Service

Commission of 4 local candidates for appointment.

10.

During the period 1 October to 31 December 1984 38 overseas

officers (including 13 Police Inspectors) were appointed while 71

overseas officers (including 8 Police Inspectors) left the service for

various reasons. On 1 January 1985 the working strength of overseas

officers was 3,036 representing 1.76% of a total service strength of

172,212. A copy of the latest (as at 1 January 1985) CSB quarterly

survey of localisation statistics is attached to this report.

Leave and Passage Arrangements

11.

Finance Branch's views are expected shortly regarding

CSB's proposed package of improvements to leave and passage arrangements.

A further meeting with staff will be held in early February.

Review of Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service

12.

The Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and

Conditions of Service has decided to conduct its ninth overall review

of directorate officers' salaries and conditions of service.

review will commence in April and conclude in July.

The

/Local Directorate

CONFIDENTIAL **

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