§ 31. Mr. Sorensenasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the increase in the mini-mum wage rate for unskilled labour employed by the Government and Native administrations in Nigeria falls far short 1964 of a reasonable wage level; whether there is likely to be an early increase beyond the present 10d. per day; and whether he has now discovered whether the tin workers will benefit in wages in view of the increased price of tin?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanThe whole question of the adequacy of the wages at present being paid by the Government and Native Administrations throughout Nigeria is under review. So far as the Lagos area is concerned, the report of the Cost of Living Committee is expected to be available in the very near future, and an early decision will be taken upon its recommendations. As regards the last part of the Question, the regulations governing the wages of the workers in the tin mines are being applied on the principle that the persons selected for work under the compulsory service arrangements will be in the same position as those normally employed in the same occupation.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say when that review is likely to come to an end and when the report will be made?
§ Mr. MacmillanVery soon.