§ 16. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent by the Government of Nigeria to the request of the All-Nigerian Trade Union Federation to summon a meeting between the employers of labour and trade unions to negotiate a national wage structure for the whole Federation.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI understand that the Federal Government have not received such a request.
§ Mr. MallalieuEven if he has not received such a request, could not the Colonial Secretary agree that steps should be taken by the Government, having regard to the fact that the income per head in Nigeria is only £22 per annum? Does not that show that the national "cake" should be properly divided out, and would not steps of this nature be appropriate?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have answered the Question. The population of Nigeria is 32 million, and the country is equal in size to Great Britain and France put together, with many varying standards of living, and I do not think that the suggestion made is appropriate at the moment.