HC Deb 05 March 1942 vol 378 cc796-7
37. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the estimated rise in the cost of living of 75 per cent. in Sierra Leone can be taken as a reasonable index to the increase throughout West African Colonies; whether the increase in wages to meet this increase approximates to the same percentage; whether the 20 per cent. bonus granted to Government labourers in the Gold Coast is in addition to other previous increases in wages; when the special committee in Nigeria will report on the adequacy of present wages; and what immediate steps are being taken to secure an immediate adequate rise in wages throughout West African Colonies in order to prevent undue hardship and discontent?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

As explained in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 25th February, the figure of 75 per cent. for Sierra Leone cannot be accepted as reliable. Statistics for other parts of West Africa are not yet available. The rate of bonus approved was considered by the Sierra Leone Government adequately to meet the rise in the cost of living. The Answer to the third part of the Question is in the affirmative. My Noble Friend has not yet heard from the Governor of Nigeria whether the Committee referred to in the fourth part of the Question has yet reported. Bonuses were authorised with effect from the 1st October last for the lower-paid categories of Government labour, without prejudice to any decision taken as a result of the recommendations of the Committee. As I have indicated, various measures for the relief of hardship have already been taken by the West African Governments.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the discrepancy which exists between the increased cost of living and the present scale of wages in West Africa? Can he do something immediately to meet the great hardship which a number of our subjects are feeling in that part of Africa?

Mr. Macmillan

If there is real hardship, it will be met.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that an increase in the cost of living of 75 per cent. and an increase in wages of 20 per cent. still represent a very great discrepancy between what has happened and what should happen?