ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE (Narrowing gap between Upper Timescale and Superscale Grades)

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider extending the Upper Timescale or introducing a new Superscale grade to narrow the gap between the two grades of the Administrative Service.

The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, I shall always be prepared to consider demonstrable improvements to the salary structure of our Civil Service. However, hon. Members will recall that Government reviewed the Administrative Service last year. In consequence, the salary structure of the Administrative Service has been modified, and appears to me to be satisfactory.

The Superscale Grades in the Government Service form the top management in the Service. The thinking, therefore, is that there should be a clear distinction between the Timescale grades and the Superscale grades to reflect their respective status and responsibilities. Such a distinction should be maintained and reflected by a significant differential in the salaries for Timescale grades and Superscale grades. It is not desirable to mar this distinction by either extending the salary scale for the Upper Timescale grade or introducing an additional Superscale grade to bridge the gap in salaries between them.

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng (Farrer Park): Sir, I believe the present differential between the Upper Timescale and the Superscale 'H' grades is about 33%. Whilst I appreciate the Minister's contention to retain the distinction between the Timescale officers and the Superscale officers, would not the Minister consider that 33% is too big a gap?

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, the gap has been operative for quite a long time and has caused no dissatisfaction. If the Member wishes to make any suggestion I will be prepared to consider it, and I hope his representations are reflective of the opinions of people who will be affected by them.