30. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the regulations concerning grants to Nigerian Government officials for the purchase of cars and their repayment; what car allowances are paid to officials; what was the dollar and sterling expenditure on official cars in Nigeria in the last financial year; and if he is satisfied that this expenditure is justified.
Mr. Creech JonesI give below the reply to the first two parts of the Question. I have asked the Governor for information about the remainder of the Question and will write to my hon. Friend.
Advances for the purchase of motor vehicles are made by the Nigerian Government up to a limit of £600, provided that the type of vehicle is the most suitable for the purposes for which it is to be employed, that it will facilitate the performance of official duties and that the advance does not exceed the actual cost of the vehicle. Advances are repayable in equal monthly instalments deducted from salary payments. Normally instalments are 24 in number. Advances bear interest at the rate of 3 per cent.
Transport allowances are granted when it is considered necessary for an officer to possess a motor vehicle for the proper performance of the duties of his office. The allowances are on a monthly mileage basis, and are on a descending scale for each successive 250 miles. Alternatively an officer may draw a basic monthly flat-rate allowance plus a mileage allowance at reduced rates.