HC Deb 19 January 1944 vol 396 cc179-80
66. Colonel Ponsonby

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any announcement about the recent claim of the Opobo Chiefs in Nigeria for £11,420, under an agreement made in 1892.

71. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now any further statement to make respecting Ja Ja of Opobo and the award of £14,000 made in 1892, payable within 30 and 50 years, and about which a claim has been made for payment.

Colonel Stanley

Yes, Sir. The claims have been accepted by His Majesty's Government and Parliament will be asked to vote the sum of £11,420. The Nigeria Government is to discuss with the chiefs the procedure for determining the proper payees.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this answer will give great satisfaction to the people of Opobo, and does he not agree that this amply justifies the raising of this question by both the people of Opobo and Members of this House?

Colonel Stanley

I must leave the hon. Gentleman to blow his own trumpet.