§ 23. Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that hardship has arisen to individuals through the operation of the East African widows' and orphans' pensions scheme as applied to Tanganyika territory, and that bachelors in temporary employment by the Tanganyika Government are compelled to contribute to the scheme, though not in a position to receive any benefits therefrom; and will he inquire into this position?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe scheme in question is an insurance scheme, and the benefits payable are fixed actuarially on the assumption that all officers, whether married or single, contribute. I do not think this involves a hardship to bachelors, who accept the liability to contribute as part of the conditions of employment. During their service single officers are insured for potential benefits in the event of marriage and they receive a refund of half their contributions if they leave the service without having married.
§ 24. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the changes in the administrative service in Tanganyika which have recently taken place or are about to take place; whether the status of the Secretary for Native Affairs has been in any way altered; and to whom the compilation of the annual Native Affairs Reports will in future be entrusted?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe changes in the administrative service in Tanganyika consist of reductions in numbers and amalgamations of districts with a view to economies necessitated by the heavy fall in the revenue. No change has been made in the status of the Secretary for Native Affairs and I have not received any intimation of any modification in the method of preparing the annual reports on native affairs.