§ 61. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of a committee set up by the Governor of Tanganyika that it costs an African in Dar-es-Salem 53s. a month to live, but 352 that the average wage paid by Europeans to domestic servants varies from 35s. to 45s. a month and by Asiatics averages 20s.; and whether he will ask the Governor to prescribe a minimum wage for natives so employed.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)Yes, Sir, I have seen the report. A figure of 53 Shs. 47 cents a month is shown as the entire cost of living at the 1st of January, 1944, of an African in Dar-es-Salaam. As regards the wages paid to domestic servants, my hon. Friend will appreciate that the sums which he mentions do not take account of the considerable additions given by way of food, clothing and lodging. I will, however, consult the Governor in regard to the possibility of instituting a minimum wage for domestic servants.