§ 26. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present average rate of wages paid to labourers in the Nigerian tin mines; and whether he is satisfied that, in view of the present world price of tin, the conditions are satisfactory.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe new minimum rates, varying from 10d. to 1s. 2d. a day, according to locality, with certain emoluments in kind, have not been in force long enough to enable the average wage paid to these labourers to be assessed. My right hon. Friend is consulting the Governor on the second part of the Question and I will communicate with my hon. Friend again.
§ Mr. DaviesWill my hon. Friend keep his eye on the position and let us have some further information if a Question is put down in reasonable time after this has had a trial?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIf a Question is put down, we shall certainly attempt to answer it.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerIs the Under-Secretary aware that this wage scale was agreed to at a meeting presided over by Government officers as long ago as August, 1947, and was agreed to by both sides, employers and miners in the tin mining industry?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe conditions are laid down in a Nigerian order in council and were based on recommendations of the Advisory Board on which both sides were represented.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerAnd presided over by representatives of the Government.
§ Dr. SegalIs my hon. Friend aware that housing conditions in the Jos area of Nigeria are among the most unsatisfactory in the whole of the colony, and will he urge this tin mining company to provide proper housing estates to improve the conditions of the miners?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIt is not for me to urge anything on a company. There are regulations laid down by the Nigerian Government, and this company and other companies running similar industries must comply with these conditions. If they are not complied with, it is for the Nigerian Government to ensure that the conditions are complied with.