§ 36. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to increase wages in St. Helena; what proposals he has received from the Governor with regard to food subsidies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThere is to be an immediate increase in wages of 5s. a week for Government manual workers and a similar increase for workers in the St. Helena hemp industry. Food subsidies are to be extended to include rice, in addition to bread, cheese and tinned meat. Import duties are to be removed on a wide range of articles, including food, and poor relief is being increased.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that these proposals will be received with very great appreciation in St. Helena, where people are living in very great poverty? Will he bear in mind also the possibility of raising the poor relief itself? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the amount paid in poor relief is £20 a week between eighty people? Will the hon. Gentleman consider this also?
§ Mr. AmeryI can tell the hon. Member at this stage that unemployment relief will be increased by 3s. a week, with corresponding increases in poor relief. The cost of this will be under £2,000 a year.