§ 36. Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent to the joint request of the Mauritius Railway Workers' Union, the Teachers' Union and the Government Employees' Association, for increased salaries for all Government employees, in view of the greatly increased cost of living; and why the Mauritius Government has proposed increases for senior officers without any increases for lower-grade workers.
Mr. Creech JonesI assume the hon. Member refers to a joint request from the 3006 three unions for increases in cost-of-living allowances. No joint request for increased salaries has been received. Proposals submitted by the Governor of Mauritius for increases in cost-of-living allowances for all grades, but giving greater proportionate benefit to the lower and middle ranks, have recently received my approval. As regards the last part of the Question, proposals for increasing the salaries of certain posts were submitted by the Governor last year on the grounds that the salaries assigned to these particular posts in 1945 were inadequate. These proposals covered a number of both senior and subordinate posts.
§ Mr. GreenwoodWill my right hon. Friend say what delay occurred between receiving these requests and complying with them, and whether he is satisfied that the negotiating machinery is satisfactory?
Mr. Creech JonesAt the moment, I believe it is, but the first request was made in 1945, and subsequent adjustments have been made.