Captain TERRELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) the result of the friendly consideration given to the views of the members of the advisory council of Swaziland on the proposed expenditure of public money both in respect to salaries of civil servants and public works; whether the members aforesaid are satisfied;
(2) whether it is proposed to increase the salaries of officials in Swaziland by 18 per cent.; if not, by what amount; whether it is simultancously proposed to decrease the expenditure on essential public works by 64 per cent.; if not, what is the actual figure of decrease; and whether he will in each case give the facts justifying the policy prescribed?
Mr. WOODThe Swaziland Estimates for 1922–23 have not yet been definitely settled, but the latest figures which have reached mc show that it is proposed to reduce the Estimate for Public Works Extraordinary from £4,100 in 1921–22 to £1,480 in 1922–23. The decrease is mainly due to the postponement of expenditure on roads. The salaries of the Civil Service in Swaziland, Basutoland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate have recently been the subject of investigation by a Commission appointed by the High Commissioner for South Africa. The recommendation of the Commission in respect of all three territories was to the general effect that, owing to the increased cost of living in South Africa, the remainder of the special War allowance still being drawn should in future be included in permanent salary. The amount involved in the case of Swaziland is about £4,400. The Report of the Commission has not yet been finally approved. It is hardly possible to answer the inquiry whether the members of the Advisory Council are satisfied, but I may add that the High Commissioner for 2227W South Africa has expressed his readiness always to give full consideration to their suggestions or observations on matters affecting their interests.