HC Deb 20 March 1958 vol 584 cc1398-9
38. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply was given by the Government of Nigeria to the proposal of the All-Nigeria Trade Union Federation to nationalise the mining industry and to withdraw from the International Tin Council.

Mr. Profumo

I am asking the Governor-General of the Federation of Nigeria for the information and will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Irving

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the hardship caused by this restrictive export agreement and the fact that already there are 5,000 out of work in Nigeria? Does not this call for a different kind of marketing of raw materials, particularly in the Commonwealth?

Mr. Profumo

I think we had better wait until we hear from the Governor-General, but the agreement was adhered to by Nigeria's representative.