HC Deb 19 November 1928 vol 222 cc1357-9
11. Viscount SANDON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the extent of the deficit as to shipping fares falling on a civil servant in respect of himself, wife, and each child, after receiving the travelling allowances laid down by regulation, when proceeding on leave at the present time to the United Kingdom from each of the Pacific Colonies, Dependencies, or Mandated Territories, and from the New Hebrides?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

As the answer is somewhat long, I will, with the Noble Lord's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

It is not possible to give figures to cover every case, but the following figures will serve to show the position where maximum allowances are payable:

Fiji and Western Pacific High Commission: Officials serving in Suva:

The cost of a return passage to this country ranges from £211 (first class) to £122 (third class). The maximum leave passage grant under the Regulations is £240 (£120 in respect of the officer, £60 in respect of his wife, and £60 in respect of a child or children).

Tonga—Staff of Agency and Consulate:

The cost of a return passage to this country ranges from £222 (first class) to £133 (third class). The maximum leave passage grant is £273 (£131 in respect of the officer, £71 in respect of his wife, and £71 in respect of a child or children).

British Solomon Islands Protectorate:

Thee cost of a return passage to this country ranges from £228 (first class) to £167 (second class). The maximum leave passage grant is £270 (£180 for the officer, £30 for his wife, and £30 for each child up to two).

Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony:

There is no regular passenger service, and precise figures as to the cost of passage are not available. The fare is approximately the same as for the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. The maximum leave passage grant is approximately £300 (£120 for the officer, £60 for his wife, and £60 for each child up to two).

New Hebrides:

The cost of a return passage to this country ranges from £232 (first class) to £183 (second class).

In the case of officials in the British service the maximum leave passage grant is £348 (£132 for the officer, £72 for his wife, and £72 for each child up to two).

In the case of officials of the Joint Court the Regulations provide for a return passage to Europe in certain circumstances for the officer, but not for his wife and children. New Regulations are under discussion.

In the case of other Condominium officials the maximum leave passage grant provided under the Regulations is £60, but new Regulations are under discussion.

Children under three years of age travel free, and children between three and ten years of age at half rates.

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