XN000022-1973-03-29 — Page 3

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Thursday, March 29, 1973

In the new scale normal annual increments will apply until

$1,750. At that point certificated masters aged 30 or over, who have

served satisfactorily for five years on $1,750, will move automatically

and without prejudice to their promotion prospects to a salary point

of $1,850 per month and then at three-year intervals to $1,950 and

$2,050. Such teachers who had been at the top of the scale for five

years on 1st April 1971, or became eligible at any time since then, will

automatically move onto the new point of $1,850.

Commenting on the announcement, Government spokesman said:

"The Government has largely accepted the recommendations of the Working

Group appointed in November to consider salaries for certificated masters.

But it has also taken into account proposals and petitions received

from interested parties."

Concern

"In reaching its decision, the Government has noted the concern

This concern

shown by teachers in their comments and public statements.

has concentrated more on the status and dignity of the profession than

on the pay scales alone."

Commenting on the role of education in Hong Kong, the spokesman

said, "The expanded education programme is one of the major priorities of

the Government during the next 10 years, and the quality of the teaching

profession, as well as the numbers of teachers coming available, are vital

factors in the success of that programme.

"The decision announced today will contribute in no small way

towards that development," he said.

The report