§ 41. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations why Africans and Europeans are paid at different rates for the same work in Bechuanaland.
§ Mr. AlportThe question of differential pay in the senior services of the High Commission Territories was one of the matters considered by Sir Rex Surridge, who was appointed by my right hon. and noble Friend in September, 1958, as Salaries Commissioner to review the whole range of salaries, allowances and conditions of service in the High Commission Territories. His report, and the High Commissioner's comments on it have now been received and are being studied.
§ Mr. BottomleyCan the Under-Secretary say that the principle is accepted that where Africans and Europeans do similar work and are similarly qualified they will in fact receive equal pay?
§ Mr. AlportI would rather wait until we have had an opportunity of studying this. When I was in the High Commission Territories I discussed the whole of this question of the basic rate of pay for the job in the services there. I am fully aware of the strong feelings that exist.