§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position of the strike in Nigeria; approximately how many are now involved; and by what percentage wages and the cost of living have risen since 1939.
§ Mr. George HallOn 6th August the President and Secretary of the Committee of Nigerian Government Technical Workers announced that the general strike had been officially called off with effect from midnight on 4th August, and the workers in Lagos had been instructed to report for duty not later than Tuesday, 7th August. It is understood that there was a general return to work on that day, though there may have been some delay in return to work in the Provinces owing to time taken for strike delegates from Lagos to reach the outstations. The number of men on strike at one time was approximately 32,600 A system of cost-of-living allowances on a tapering scale applicable to wages and salaries up to £220 per 635W annum was introduced in June, 1942, with retrospective effect from October, 1941. The rate of allowance varies with the districts, but in Lagos it is 100 per cent, increase on the basic wage. The cost-of-living index has risen from 100 in 1939 to 170 in July, 1945. It is hoped to hold a conciliation meeting next Friday between the union delegates and heads of departments concerned under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to discuss the demands of the workers.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position of the railway strike in Nigeria; what other strikes are in progress in that country; what instances of sabotage there have been; and, in view of the fact that tin is not reaching Lagos and that letters and cables are not coming through, will he inform the House of the general position there and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. George HallOn 6th August the President and Secretary of the Committee of Nigerian Government Technical Workers announced that the general strike had been officially called off with effect from midnight on the 4th August and the workers in Lagos had been instructed to report for duty not later than Tuesday, 7th August. It is understood that there was a general return to work on that day though there may have been some delay in return to work in the Provinces owing to the time taken for strike delegates from Lagos to reach the outstations. The number of men on strike at one time was approximately 32,600. There are no other strikes in progress in Nigeria. The only case of sabotage reported by the Acting Governor was the derailment of one train, fortunately without casualties. During the strike it was only possible to maintain a very restricted railway service to ensure distribution of food-stuffs and other essential supplies and the evacuation of exports was severely affected. Now that the strike has ended, conditions should soon become more normal, but the result of the strike is bound to be felt for some time to come.