§ 42. Mr. Bennasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will introduce a system of old-age pensions for Africans in the High Commission Territories.
§ Commander NobleUnder tribal law and custom in all three Territories, responsibility for the care of the poor of all ages in African society rests with the relatives. Where, for any reason, the relatives cannot provide for needy cases, the Government and the Tribal Administrations grant relief in the form of money, food and clothing.
§ Mr. BennIs not the Minister aware that, in the long run, the future of these Protectorates depends on them providing for Africans facilities comparable with those already available in the Union of South Africa? Would he not in future take such a complacent attitude as he has shown in his answer to this particular Question?
§ Commander NobleI can assure the hon. Member that I do not take any complacent attitude, but I think that the House will agree that economic progress comes first.