TNAG-0235-FCO40-271-Petition-on-equal-pay-for-women-from-Chinese-Civil-Servants--1970 — Page 16

(b) that serving officers (men and women) would be permitted

to proceed along their respective existing salary scales,

if they so desired, when and if new salary scales

differing from existing scales were introduced (although

this did not mean that they would retain a right to

existing salary scales on promotion to a higher grade);

that women on existing. salary scales which eventually

met those of their male counterparts under the old

gradual parity" scheme (introduced prior to 1966) would

(c)

be permitted to continue to proceed along their existing

salary scales.

The Government felt unable, however, to accede to a request

made by the Staff Associations that women should have the option

of moving to the existing salary scale for men should a new equal

pay scale be introduced at a level lower than the existing scale

for men. It is to this point in p articular that the petitioners

have addressed themselves. The Government's position was,

however, clearly stated by the Governor himself in a speech in

the Legislative Council in February 1969. He said then that

"Equal pay means equal pay and not necessarily that grades must be

equated at the male level, but of course no serving officer will

suffer a reduction in salary as a result of grades being equated.

His personal position will be protected.'

#1

21 April, 1970

Erain

(E. 0. Laird)

Hong Kong Department

Jove

Tone Shepherd

271/4