§ 14. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Overseas Development 824 what has been the increase in the cost of living since the last increase in rates of pay for those serving in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
§ Mr. WoodI assume that my hon. Friend's Question refers to the last increase in inducement allowances, which takes effect from 1st July, 1969. Between then and June, 1970, there seems to have been a rise of about 6 per cent. in the level of retail prices affecting expatriates in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineMy right hon. Friend will be aware that the difficulties of servants in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands are probably unparalleled in most parts of the world. May I have his assurance that he will keep a close watch on those difficulties to see that the rewards are commensurate with them?
§ Mr. WoodI shall do so, and I think my hon. Friend knows that we have promised to review this whole matter generally fairly early next year. I hope that this will meet the case he has put to me.