HC Deb 30 June 1969 vol 786 cc15-6
28. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the average delay in transferring pensions paid locally in Commonwealth countries and which are ultimately required to be paid in the country in which the pensioner is resident.

Mr. Oram

As overseas pensioners, who elect to have their pensions paid locally, are themselves responsible for the remission to the countries in which they reside, I do not have the relevant information.

Mr. Tilney

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that pensioners in Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service from Tanzania resident in South Africa, and also pensioners from Ghana and Nigeria, are suffering considerable hardship? Is there not a case for again looking into the question as to whether all pensions should not be taken over by Her Majesty's Government and aid reduced accordingly?

Mr. Oram

I am aware of the difficulties in relation to Nigeria and Tanzania. In the case of Tanzania, there have been successful approaches through the High Commission in Dar-es-Salaam and we seem to have overcome the difficulty in that instance. The hon. Gentleman will recognise that it is a much more serious problem in relation to Nigeria because of the stringent exchange regulations as a result of the war there.

Mr. Hooley

Would my hon. Friend agree that it is a ridiculous concept that these pensions should be regarded as aid at all? Is it not high time that we revised our policy on this important matter?

Mr. Oram

This matter was fully debated in the House recently. I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said on that occasion.