XN000022-1974-02-13 — Page 14

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Wednesday, February 13, 1974

FULL PAYMENT OF PENSION INCREASE AND ARREARS BY APRIL

The eight per cent increase in pensions announced last October

will be fully paid to all local and overseas pensioners within the next

two months, the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Denys Roberts, told the

Legislative Council today.

Replying to a question from the Hon. Wilfred Wong, Mr. Roberts

said the increase had been paid to local pensioners since November last

year, and arrears for the period April to October 1973 will be paid at

the end of this month..

As regards overseas pensioners, the increase had been paid to

some of them in January. The rest would be paid this month while the arrears

would be paid by the Crown Agents within the next two months.

In answer to a question from the Hon. Lee Quo-wei, the Colonial

Secretary said there will be no increase in the minimum uncommited pension

payable to civil servants retiring at the age of 55 so that the minimum

amount will be equal to that receivable under the Public Assistance Scheme.

"The pension of a public officer is based on his retiring salary

and his length of service. It is therefore earned by him and it would not

be appropriate for a supplement of the kind suggested to be added to it."

Mr. Roberts explained.

However, a public officer is eligible on equal terms with all

members of the community for benefits provided under the Public Assistance

Scheme, he added.

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