HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 cc1725-6
36. Mr. Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the increase in the retail price of maize in Kenya, steps have been, or will be, taken to provide a corresponding war bonus to wages for African workers?

Colonel Stanley

African employees are normally provided with rations in kind or are paid a consolidated salary. In the latter case Africans employed by the Government are eligible for the war bonus which was introduced with effect from 1st October, 1942. The recent increase in the price of maize is not considered sufficient to justify any change in the rate of bonus. I understand that the rates of pay of Africans in private employment have generally been raised by amounts comparable to those approved for Government employees.

Mr. Harvey

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that maize is a staple article of diet of these labourers, and will he keep that in mind with a view to an increase in war bonus?

Colonel Stanley

I will keep it in mind. A particular increase, on an average, will result in an increase in the cost of living of under 1s. per month.