§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Minister of Overseas Development what representations she has received regarding reductions, arising from administrative error, for Nigerian basic pensions from those entitled to such benefits through Her Majesty's Overseas Service; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tomlinson:For the purpose of implementing our intention—[Vol. 797, c. 1344–49]— to assume from the Governments of former British colonial territories, including Nigeria, responsibility for the payment of certain expatriate pensions it is necessary to verify pensions data. In the course of verifying Nigerian pensions it emerged that some 500 pensions were being either under- or overpaid. The errors were confirmed in discussion with a senior Nigerian official sent to London by his Government to assist the verification.
In order that the payments might be rectified the Nigerian High Commission wrote a warning letter to those affected but, through an administrative error, the letter was issued to all 2,500 pensioners
1977–78 (provisional) 1978–79 (estimated) 1979–80 (estimated) £ £ £ Financial Aid Loans … … … … 488,000 2,635,000 3,142,000 Grants … … … … 3,502,000 1,288,000 1,214,000 Budgetary … … … … 475,000 300,000 200,000 Total financial aid … … … … 4,465,000 4,223,000 4,556,000 Technical Co-operation … … … … 1,025,000 1,200,000 1,700,000 Total aid (gross) … … … … 5,490,000 5,423,000 6,256,000 The main projects supported are:
42W
- Road Improvements, Mahe
- Fourth Electricity Generator
- North East-North West Water Link
- Rochon Water Supply Conversions
- Electricity Distribution Extensions
- 33 KV Electricity Transmission Line
being paid by the high commission, the great majority of whom are not affected. The Nigerian authorities have now undertaken to inform pensioners individually whether or not they are affected. I share their regret that unnecessary concern has been caused by this mistake.
The pensions in question have of course been awarded by the Nigerian Government in respect of public service in Nigeria. They are entirely the responsibility of that Government, are governed by Nigerian pension laws and funded by Nigerian revenues, and they are paid by the Nigerian High Commission in London. The correction of payments pending the takeover is a matter between the pensioners and that Government.
Representations have been received from five hon. Members, from over 50 pensioners, and from the Overseas Service Pensioners' Association.
The work preliminary to the takeover of Nigerian pensions is now nearing completion and I anticipate that it will be effected within a relatively short time.