§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the protest of Honourable Sir Ofore Atta and other unofficial members of the Gold Coast Legislative Council at the action of the Government in allotting a sum of £6,500 war-time allowance to European officials with annual salaries below £600 and with wives in Britain, without any opportunity of the Legislative Council discussing or voting upon the same; and whether he will inquire into this grievance and prevent repetitions?
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§ Colonel StanleyThe protest to which my hon. Friend refers was carefully considered by my predecessor. It was desirable to bring the allowance into force simultaneously in all the West African Colonies; and it had become a matter of urgency owing to the time taken to reach a decision and the financial embarrassment of the officers concerned. Consequently a special meeting of Finance Committee of the Gold Coast Legislative Council was called on the 8th May. The African members, however, asked that the question might be deferred for consideration at the meeting of the full Council fixed for the 26th May. The Acting Governor did not feel justified in agreeing to further delay and decided to exercise his power to authorise an urgent payment in anticipation of a vote of the Legislative Council. The Legislative Council subsequently approved the expenditure. I am satisfied that there was no constitutional impropriety in the Acting Governor's action.