Former Civil Servants (Pensions) (Hansard, 5 April 1962)

§ 8. Mr. Tilney
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations when he drew the attention of the Government of Ghana to the United Kingdom Pensions (Increase) Act, 1959, in relation to the pensions of ex-members of the Colonial and Her Majesty's Overseas Services formerly employed in the Gold Coast and in Ghana; and what was the nature of the Ghana Government's reply.

§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Bernard Braine)
On 19th January, 1960. The communication did not call for a reply.

§ Mr. Tilney
Since that was over two years ago, does not this show clearly that once a country has gained its independence—with the single and honourable exception of Nigeria—it is disinclined to look after its ex-servants? Since £5 million, I understand, is possibly to be lent to the Government of Ghana without any reciprocal orders to this country, is it not possible, if the British taxpayers' money is so lent, that consideration be given to pensioners and to other claimants?

§ Mr. Braine
It is not our practice, of course, to impose conditions of this kind in granting financial aid to independent Commonwealth countries. I am well aware, the Government are well aware, of the anxiety of my hon. Friend and of other Members of the House in regard to the arrangements for overseas pensioners who may be expected to increase as more Colonial Territories become independent, and we are at present studying the position.

§ Dame Irene Ward
May I ask my hon. Friend if, by saying that it is not a practice of the Government, he means that that practice in no circumstances can be altered? Did he not hear the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Attorney-General say a moment ago that the Government always act speedily? Why should we not tell Ghana speedily that we expect something to be done for those whom she ought to be proud to help?

§ Mr. Braine
The hon. Lady read into my remarks something which was not there. Of course, when we give aid to independent Commonwealth countries we normally do what in all the circumstances we consider it in our own wide and long-term economic and political interests to do. These considerations are, of course, in our minds.