§ 37. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why some retired British minor officers from the Nigerian Civil Service have obtained increases in their pre-war pensions only after a means test, and why some have been refused any increase on pre-war pensions, now worth less than half their pre-war value; and, 2052 in view of the declared policy of the Nigerian Government to recruit and retain British officials in Nigerian Services, if he will arrange for a review of these pensions.
§ The Minister of State for Colonial Affairs (Mr. Henry Hopkinson)Under the Nigerian pensions increase scheme the payment of increases to pensioners is subject to certain income limits. In that respect the scheme follows the principles of the Pensions (Increase) Acts of this country. Any review of the scheme is a matter for the Government of the Federation of Nigeria.
§ Mr. ReidSurely the Secretary of State has some responsibility for the careers of these people, and surely it is not beyond his power to drop a hint or make a suggestion to the Government of Nigeria to act decently?
§ Mr. HopkinsonMy right hon. Friend is in touch with the Governor General of the Federation of Nigeria on the subject, but I would point out that the income limits under the Nigerian pensions increase scheme are very nearly double those of the Pensions (Increase) Acts applicable in this country.