TNAG-0916-FCO40-1127-Policy-on-salaries-and-pensions-for-civil-servants-in-Hong-K-1979 — Page 297

G.S. 84

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XCRI(79)1

Comment. While it does not seem appropriate to set a target date in the terms of reference, the Commission will be encouraged to consider as a matter of priority what might be the timetable for reviewing the structure and salary of individual grades. Moreover, it has been the past practice for Salaries Commission recommendations of changes in grade salary scales to take effect from a common date, so that the order in which grades are reviewed shall not be a matter of great significance. Con- sideration is being given to a similar arrangement for recommendations by the Standing Commission.

(d)(i) The 4 Police Associations argued that in view of the

unique role and responsibilities of the Police a full-time Committee of Inquiry should be set up to review the negotiating machinery, pay and conditions of the whole Police Force, on the lines of the Edmund Davies Inquiry in the United Kingdom.

Comment. While special factors do apply to the Police, it is nevertheless true that their pay must have some relation to that in the rest of the Civil Service, and indirectly to that in the private sector. There is also already some resentment among other disciplined forces at what is seen as special treatment for the Police. It is not proposed to exclude them from the Commission's terms of reference. Moreover a separate 'Commission' for the Police could hardly make any recommendations on remuneration until after the Standing Commission had substantially completed its initial review.

(d)(ii) The Associations also argued that, because Police officers are not allowed to join unions, the terms of reference should make some provision for the views of staff to be forwarded to the Commission without necessarily going through departmental management.

Comment. This does not affect the terms of reference but an assurance can be given that this request will be considered by management and that the Commission will be asked for its views on it, both as regards Police associations and in general.

(e) Comments were made that the membership of the

Commission should include persons with experience or knowledge of the profession or occupation relevant to the grade being reviewed.

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