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to a very much shorter scale in future. In cases such as the last it is probable that instead of a straight conversion according to length of service which would result in the majority of officers in a particular category being placed on the maximum of the new scale, a system of awarding one increment on the new scale for two or more years on the old scale will have to be adopted. When the new scales are finally approved, it will probably be necessary for machinery to be set up to deal with the various problems which are bound to arise from the new salarics schome in which we have greatly reduced previous diversities in scales.
199.
Certain officers have been appointed since the reoccupation on short term contract or on a temporary basis on fixed salarios which are at points within existing salary scales. If it is decided to offer employment on the permanent pensionable establishment to any such officers, we consider that the point at which such officers should enter the now scales should bo decided by Government upon the merits of each case.
Special measures in cases where permanent emoluments are temporarily reduced.
200.
It is possible that in certain cases the new salary scales will result in a temporary reduction of emoluments exclusive of high cost of living allowance. Similarly, certain officers may on transfer to the new scales find that their pensionable cmoluments would bo temporarily reduced. We recommend that Government should consider on their merits any such cases which may arise and accord such treatment as may be deemed equitable.
Election to transfer to the new scales of pay.
201.
We recommend that serving officers should be allowed to exercise an option whether to retain their existing salaries and terms and conditions of service or to transfer to the now scales under the revised conditions of service which we have proposed. In our opinion this option should be exercised in writing by all officers concerned not later than 31st March, 1948. A possible extension might be granted to officers who are on leave at the date of the publication of the revised salaries scheme. In their case we consider that a further extension of three months might be given. Such officers should have option forms explaining exactly to them their position under the new scheme forwarded to them in good time to enable them to register their option by the due date. An officer accepting promotion should be required to come on to the new salary scheme and should not be given any option.
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