HC Deb 05 July 1956 vol 555 cc1507-8
1. Mr. Hale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the result of his inquiries into the disability pensions at present being paid to ex-Askaris in Nyasaland for wounds received before 1954; and, in view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government have a moral responsibility for the pensions of those who retired from Government service before federation despite the transfer of responsibility for defence, if he will keep in touch with the Federal Government regarding their interests.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Commander Allan Noble)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 26th April to the hon. Member for Deptford (Sir L. Plummer). The figures quoted by the hon. Member for Deptford were the old minimum rates. I understand that the rates of pensions payable to ex-Askari in Nyasaland are being raised with effect from the 1st July, 1954. The new comparable minimum rates are 12s. and 22s. 6d., as against 7s. and 9s. 4d. It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to decide what the level of pensions should be, and I am sure that we may rely on them to deal sympathetically with these disabled pensioners.

Mr. Hale

Does the hon. and gallant Member really think that to give 9s. a week for total disability is dealing with the matter sympathetically? Is he not aware that, in his answer on 26th April, he promised to look into this matter and make representations? We appreciate there has been some increase. Will he also refer the Government to the fact that the treatment of Askaris who served this nation during the war has been one of the real causes of disaffection in Africa?

Commander Noble

I do not think there is any difference between the hon. Member and myself. We have the greatest interest in these things. If he has any information or any special case, as I think he inferred, I will be very pleased to look at it.