CO129-601-5 Salaries Commission- Education Department 30-12-1947 - 30-12-1947 — Page 2

Dlt. on 53723/17 1. Gov. 2 Yor. Gov.

x

tel. 980 Sar. tel. 141 Saw. Staff

30-12-47

2

20-4-48

The

1. Hong Kong Salaries Commission Report was referred to the Education Adviser for comments as regards the Education Department proposals last October. The basic salary scales pr oposed for the Education Department may be seen at Appendix V - VF7of the Appendices. Comments are at paragraphs 111 to 115 of the Report.

a

2. In view of the comment by C. S.D. (copy filed at A) a point was raised with the Governor regarding the initial salary proposed for Masters (see

The overnor's comments on this

para (a) of (1)).

point are at (2)

3. (2) was discussed at a meeting on the 5th May at which Dr. Sloss (on a visit from Hong Kong), Mr. Sidebotham, Mr. Whittle, Mr. King, Mr. Radford and I were present.

4. Dr. Sloss explained the point of view of the Hong Kong Government in this matter and said that it was urgent for a decision to be taken since, in view of the uncertainty about the initial pay of the Masters' and Mistresses' grades, it has not yet been possible to bring large numbers of Education Department officers on the new scale.

5. He stressed that Hong Kong differs markedly from many other Colonies in that it has a good supply of suitable local candidates for posts in the Education Department. The Hong Kong Government policy was to follow Colonial 197 and make use of local recruits to the maximum extent possible. It was therefore not necessary for them, or desired, to recruit Masters and Mistresses from overseas except where special training or experience is required. The minimum salary of the Masters' grade proposed by the Salaries Commission (viz. 8800 per month) is intended for teachers with at least 3 years' practical teaching experience in addition to the normal qualifications. The lower minimum suggested in our savingram No. 980 of the 30th December 1947 (1) was intended to provide for recruits joining service at an earlier age immediately after qualifying. The objections to this lower minimum are set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of (2).

6. It was agreed that in the circumstances it was desirable to accept the original Salaries Commission proposal, it being stressed that the initial pay of $800 per month was intended for candidates with experience as described above.

7. It was further agreed that the minor modifications of scales referred to in paragraphs 6 and 7 of (2) could be accepted.

8. I attach a draft telegram to Hong Kong. I do not think Treasury approval is required. It will be sufficient to send the Treasury a copy of our telegram together with a copy of (2).

9.