§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a new scheme has been instituted by the head of the medical department, Sierra Leone, whereby, in spite of the greatly increased cost of living, the status and salaries of all dispensers, dressers and storekeepers has been substantially reduced; and whether, as this departure is unjust and bad for the public service, he will have the matter examined with a view to securing equitable treatment for these employees?
§ Colonel StanleyLast year the salary scales of male and female nurses in Sierra Leone had to be reconsidered because State registered nurses trained in the United Kingdom were becoming available and the existing scales had proved unsatisfactory, the initial salaries being too high and the prospects of advancement too limited to attract the type of African candidate required. It was necessary to bring into line with the new salary scales for nurses the scales of other subordinate posts in the Medical and Health Department, as the holders are recruited from the same sources and serve in the same Department. The holders of all the lower grades of these posts will have been paid in addition the scaled cost of living bonus in accordance with the award made last year. The cost of living position is being constantly watched by the Sierra Leone Government with a view to any further action that may be considered necessary to mitigate hardships arising from any further increase in the cost of living.