CO129-599-1 Salaries Commission 8-12-1947 - 22-12-1947 — Page 305

throughout the Colony have been increased since the Commission submitted its Report, and this

Government has proposed a modification of the

emoluments originally recommended by the

Commission for lower grade monthly paid staff,

order to reflect these changes. This modification

in

is now under consideration by the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State has agreed that, subject to

a decision on this proposed modification, the

Commission's proposals for temporary high cost of

living allowance are acceptable to him as they

stand for revised basis of salaries up to

dollars Hong Kong 1499 per mensem. He is giving

further consideration to the rates applicable to

salaries above that figure. It is emphasised that

the high cost of living allowance is of a temporary

nature and will be subject to periodical review

so that the rates may be revised in the light of

circumstances and the allowance discontinued as

soon as the facts warrant. The first review will

be made not later than 1st July, 1948, and thereafter

at quarterly intervals until suitable permanent

machinery for adjustment can be set up.

The Secretary of State has agreed that the

Commission's recommendations relating to salaries

and allowances, as finally approved, shall be

effective as from 1st January, 1947, the date

recommended by the Commission.

It will be appreciated that some delay in

The

implementing/Commission's proposals is inevitable

in order to allow time for new salaries to be

calculated and for necessary administrative and

accounts arrangements to be made, but every endeavour

will be made to expedite transition from old scale

to new and payment of arrears.

begin payment of arrears by

It is hoped to

307

Ends.