HC Deb 13 February 1958 vol 582 cc78-9W
Mr. M. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there have been long delays in bringing into effect in Aden the new salary scales and conditions of service as recommended by the Sutherland Commission and the Aden Government; and whether he is satisfied that these scales are generally adequate and, in particular, that those on local scales A and B are receiving percentage increases equal to those on lower scales and on super scale; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Having regard to the need to co-ordinate the revised salary conditions approved for officers in Aden Colony with those approved for civilian staffs and local security forces serving in the Protectorate, which is grant-aided, I do not think that there has been undue delay in bringing the new scales into effect. All revised salaries were back-dated to 1st July, 1956, although the Salaries Commissioner's Report was not published until November, 1956. The percentage increases varied considerably as between scales A and B, lower scales and the super-scale, in order to restore differentials and provide special incentives where necessary.

There has been some unrest among expatriate staff over the revised terms of service, though all opted for them. At the Governor's request, the staff associations submitted, on 16th January, specific proposals for further increases in pay and allowances and these are under consideration. Until the matter has been fully examined it would be wrong for me to express any opinion on the adequacy of the scales, but I hope a satisfactory settlement will be the outcome.

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