(1) Where the operation of section 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 or 15 results in the basic salary of a public servant to whom the particular section applies being higher than the basic salary applicable to the next immediate point, or (if such is the case) any higher point, on the pay scale that applies to the public servant, the Minister may, having taken into account all of the circumstances that relate to the existence of the differential between the points on that scale -

(a) by direction, increase the basic salary applicable to, as the case may be -

(i) that next immediate point, or

(ii) that higher point, and, if appropriate, one or more of the points below that point,

on that scale to such extent as the Minister thinks fit so as to maintain an equitable differential between the points on that scale, or