Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if he could state on what terms officials in Uganda, East Africa, and in the West African Colonies could insure their lives for the benefit of their wives and families, at the present time and under the scheme of insurance under consideration by his Department; and if the climatic condition of certain stations in East Africa and Uganda would be allowed for?
§ Colonel SEELYI am informed that, in the case of Uganda and Nyasaland, the additional premium charged over and above the ordinary rates ranges, generally speaking, from ¾ per cent, to 2 per cent, of the sum assured. I have no accurate information as to the East Africa Protectorate, but in view of the reputation of that Protectorate the terms obtainable by residents there are doubtless even more favourable. In the case of West Africa the rate of additional premium is stated to vary from 3 per cent, upwards. As regards the question of a Government scheme for West Africa I would explain that no definite scheme has yet been formulated, and it is not possible therefore to make any statement on the subject at present. The latter part of my hon. Friend's question implies a necessity which I think does not arise, since, so far as I am aware, insurance companies make no distinction between particular stations in the Protectorates mentioned.
§ Colonel SEELYOh, yes; we are considering what we can do, and something should, I think, be done early.