asked the Secretary for 'Technical Co-operation how many former civil servants of British nationality who served in Tanganyika, Uganda and Zanzibar, respectively, are receiving pensions in respect of such service; and what contribution to such pensions is being made by the British Government: by way of basic pensions and pensions increases, respectively.

The number of former British overseas civil servants in receipt of pension: from the three countries are: 2,100 from Tanganyika, 1,800 from Uganda, and 250 from Zanzibar. Her Majesty's Government are contributing to these pensions through the Overseas Service Ai Scheme to the extent of £31,000, £27,000 and £2,000 per annum respectively. In addition they are providing pension supplements at an annual cost of £29 000, £20,500 and £5,000 to the pensioners from each of the three countries.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that information. Has he considered the possibility of rationalising these pensions so that there are not, as there are at the moment, considerable differences between the actual pensions received?

I should like to consider that matter.