§ Sir C. BECKasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies when an announcement is to be made as to the regrading of the West African Colonial Service pay; and whether he is aware that the delay in making such announcement is causing inconvenience to many officers and is also hindering the proper flow of promotion?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe report of the Local Committee which was appointed by the Nigerian Government to investigate and report upon this question reached the Colonial Office on March 25th. It will have to be carefully examined in the light of the recommendations received from the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, and Gambia Governments. A comprehensive readjustment of salaries must necessarily take some time, though the work will be carried out as expeditiously as possible. Meanwhile, any inconvenience caused to officers is being minimised as far as possible by the payment of war bonus. I am not aware that the flow of promotion is being hindered.