HC Deb 18 April 1962 vol 658 cc484-5
3. Sir J. Maitland

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make further representations to the Sudan Government to increase pensions payable to former officials of the Sudan Government.

Mr. P. Thomas

I do not consider that further representations to the Sudan Government would serve any useful purpose at present.

Sir J. Maitland

Really, that is a very unsatisfactory answer. Week after week we have the same sort of answer from the Government about this matter. Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that these men have served this country as well as the Sudan and that we have a very great responsibility for them?

Mr. Thomas

As my hon. Friend does know, we have already made renewed representations to the Sudanese authorities on this matter and we have recently received a negative reply. Therefore, we have no hope that any further representation will have any success. We certainly agree with my hon. Friend in what he says about the services which these pensioners have given not only to the Sudan but to Britain generally.

Sir J. Maitland

Then what are the Government going to do about it, if the Sudan Government do not do anything about it?

Mr. Thomas

As has been said in this House on many occasions, the question of pension increase is a matter entirely for the Sudan Government.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

Arising out of the last point made by the Joint Under-Secretary of State, would he have a look at the exchanges which have taken place in this Chamber between hon. Members on this side of the House and the Colonial Secretary and the Commonwealth Secretary about the whole pensions position being reconsidered and about the responsibilities of Her Majesty's Government for these pensioners being looked at in a new light?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, I certainly have seen those exchanges, but I am afraid that I cannot add anything to what has been said by my right hon. Friends in those exchanges.