TNAG-0103-FCO40-139-Briefs-and-background-notes-for-Lord-Shepherd-1967 — Page 59

CONFIDENTIAL

ANNEX

;

THE ASSOCIATION OF EUROPEAN CIVIL SERVANTS

Representations to Secretary of State

(a) Seck a reaffirmation of his interest in the Overseas Civil

Service and advice on the progress of a review of the Overseas

Civil Service that Mr. Lee undertook to make.

We can certainly confirm that the policy embodied in Colonial No.306 (1954) remains unchanged.

Mr. Lee did indeed initiate a review of the Overseas

Civil Service but it has so far concentrated on the staffing position in the smaller territories where diminishing career prospects and less attractive conditions have been causing

recruitment and other difficulties.

(b) Protest that in return for their emoluments being made 100%

pensionable they had to take a cut in their leave earning rate.

The Minister should make it clear that we were kept fully informed on the various stages leading to this package offer. We do not consider it to be at all unfair to join these and recommendations of the Salaries Commission in a package offer and any member of the Association who does has the option of remaining on his previous torms of service.

(c) Seek advice on the progress of now Widows and Orphans Pension

fund tables and perhaps a new Scheme.

The Association will appreciate that Widows and Orphans Pension legislation needs to be most carefully prepared and must therefore take some time to draft. Agreement has now been reached with the Ministry of Overseas Devolopment on a draft Bill to introduce revised benefit tables and certain other amendments to present legislation and the Bill should be proceeded with in the near future. Replacement of the present Scheme by a now Final Salary type Scheme will then be put in hand.

CONFIDENTIAL

/(a) Complain