TNAG-0735-FCO40-939-Policy-objective-for-the-developing-of-Hong-Kong-in-the-1980-1978 — Page 62

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in both the quantity and quality of induction training

and instruction in basic skills.

What we now need is a

corresponding effort aimed at equipping middle grade officers

with the perspectives and skills needed for management posts.

9.

Miss Dunn made a plea that experienced officers in

their prime should be dissuaded from retiring at too early

an age. She will be glad to know that I shall shortly be

consulting the staff associations on a package of measures

designed to encourage efficient officers to continue in the

service for as long after 55 as they are able to contribute

effectively. Among other things I shall be proposing that

officers retained beyond 55 should in future be eligible

for promotion. Given continued expansion of the public

service I do not think that the measures I have in mind will

in practice materially impede the advancement of younger

officers of ability.

10.

Many people would share Miss Dunn's view that too

high a proportion of Administrative Officers are concentrated

in the Secretariat, the Home Affairs Department and the

New Territories Administration.

However, Administrative

Officers are now serving in 15 other departments, the latest

to acquire one being the Kowloon Canton Railway, where the

assisting with the

General Manager now has an A.0.

administrative aspects of the modernisation and electrification

programme.

7.

11/....