§ 4. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the Sierra Leone Government have taken as a result of his predecessor's circular dispatch No. 1065/59, of 2nd October, 1959, in connection with pension increases.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Government of Sierra Leone have taken no decision in this matter as yet.
§ Mr. TilneyDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the pension increases given to those who in the past have served Sierra Leone are well below those awarded by this House, under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1959, to the people who have stayed at home in the United Kingdom? Despite the fact that much aid will be given in the future to Sierra Leone—and nobody disputes that 8 that is a good thing—does not my right hon. Friend agree that what has happened to pensioners in the Sudan and Somaliland is a thoroughly bad advertisement for those whom we want to continue to serve both in the developing countries and in this country?
§ Mr. MacleodIt is true that these pensions are considerably below those given by the United Kingdom to retired civil servants, but I am sure that my hon. Friend will agree that at this stage it is not reasonable to ask the Government of Sierra Leone to take action in advance of their independence, which is coming in two or three weeks' time. I will take into account whatever action is taken in the general review of progress that I have said we will have later in the year.