§ 17. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the trade union demand for a minimum wage of £6 10s. per month for Government employees in West Africa; and whether any consideration is being paid to this?
§ Colonel StanleyI am not aware of any general demand in West Africa for such a minimum wage as is referred to. Careful surveys of the local cost of living have been made by the West African Governments and cost of living bonuses awarded to lower-paid Government employees on varying scales according to circumstances in Nigeria, the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone. The cost of living continues to be carefully watched by those Governments.
§ Mr. SorensenWould the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire of the actual organisations on the spot, trade unions and otherwise, as to whether the scale is really adequate?
§ Colonel StanleyIt is under constant review. If the hon. Gentleman has any facts which lead him to think that in any particular territory it is not satisfactory, I shall be only too glad to have them.