§ 146. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to increase the wages of War Department employees in Nigeria so that they reach the level of wages paid to employees of the Federal Government, and to provide pensions to the employees on the same basis as given by other Government Departments; and what provisions have been made for the Nigerianisation of the higher-grade positions in the Department.
§ Mr. HareI understand that both non-industrial and industrial wages are in line with rates paid by the Federal Government and other local good employers. No pension scheme is under consideration because the gradual transfer of responsibility for the administration of local military forces to the respective West African Governments means that there is now no reasonable prospect of long-term employment with the War Department which would justify such a scheme. It is our policy to employ Nigerians in all civilian posts for which they are qualified. For example, they are already employed as quantity surveyors, draughtsmen surveyors, foremen of works, store foremen, senior stores accountants, clerks, etc. The number of United Kingdom-based civilians in Nigeria is now very small.