§ Mr. COSTELLOasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst civil servants in Nigeria by reason of the fact that since the revision of salaries which came into force on 1st January, 1920, the commencing salary in the case of political officers is lower than that in other Departments of the Service; whether, seeing that before the above date the reverse was the ease and having regard to the importance and variety of the duties performed by the political officers, he will state what was the reason for the change; and will he institute an inquiry into the matter?
Mr. THOMASThe facts are not as assumed by the hon. Member. The 1920 revision allowed political officers a minimum salary of £500 instead of a minimum of £480 for certain technically qualified officers and £450 for others. In view of the fall in the cost of living generally, the minimum salaries were reviewed last year1856W and reduced to £450 for political officers and £400 for other non-technical officers. The technical officer still commences at £480 in view of the fact that he is professionally qualified while the newly appointed political officer is a cadet who has to learn his duties. I do not consider there is any need for an inquiry.