on present rates, as shorm in the above illustration, would be
considerably in excess of the sums which should be drawn to
compensate for higher prices due to the fall in the dollar.
It is also suggested that this variable H.C.L. Allowance
would probably become a matter for frequent reconsideration and
having once been applied in full its withdrawal would be a
difficult matter, affecting as it does, such a large number of
employees.
The opinions and information submitted by the firms to
which we addressed our enquiries, clearly demonstrate that Government employees as a whole are considered to be adequately paid and to enjoy better advantages of service than do persons in private employment. In many similar cases compared, it is
seen that, apart from other benefits, the difference in salary alone is considerably in favour of Government employees on
either a sterling or a dollar basis.
True, the latter get no assistance from conversion rates, but the evidence goes to show that Government employees on dollar
salaries enjoy higher incomes than those doing similar work in
private employment.
If it is admitted that some increase in dollar salaries
of private employees is now justified on account of higher living costs, due to the recent fall in exchange, such an increase can
be applied to a considerable extent before such salaries would be even on the same level as those of Government employees.
With regard to artisan employees of the Government, the evidence we have obtained unanimously endorses the findings of the Labour Advisory Board, which are to the following effect:-
"The Board does not concur in the recommendations
made by the Salaries Commission as far as they affect labour; that the present rate of pay of Government
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