XN000022-1974-03-27 — Page 38

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Wednesday, March 27, 1974

REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES

Back-Dating Difficult To Avoid

The Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Denys Roberts, today replied

to comments on the public service made by his unofficial colleagues during

the resumed Budget debate a fortnight ago.

On a suggestion that no back-pay should be given when civil service

salaries are reviewed, he explained that an important factor, which must

be taken into account in any review of civil service salaries, is the

need to ensure that they do not lead the private sector.

"Therefore, the usual practice is to collect information on the

salaries payable in private businesses at a particular date," Mr. Roberts said.

"It therefore seems fair that this date should be the effective

one for changes made in public service salaries."

The Colonial Secretary added that although he agrees that the

payment of arrears for long periods is undesirable, some "back-dating is

unavoidable."

Mr. Roberts referred to another suggestion that the government

consider pro-engagement courses for various grades in the civil service,

in order to find out if applicants are of the right material.

He pointed out that at present there are several student grades

in the public service which serve the functions his unofficial colleague

has in mind.

But he added that the government will investigate the possibility

of establishing further grades of this nature when the opportunity arises.

/On the