§ 36. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent are such places as Birnin Kebbi, Okitipupa, Badagry, Arochuku, Obubra, Abakaliki, Sapele, Lokoja, Yola, Bauchi, Maidugari and Sokoto, which are away from the easily-travelled routes, included in the itinerary when official visits are paid by the Government House staff, or by Colonial civil servants, Ministers or Members of Parliament from this country visiting Nigeria; how many times has each of these places been visited during the last three years by such individuals, shown separately, for the Colonial Government staff, Colonial Office staff and others for each place mentioned.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsMy right hon. Friend attaches the greatest importance to the inclusion of outlying places in the itineraries of official visits, and this view is fully shared by Colonial Governments. I am asking the Acting Governor of Nigeria to provide me with any information which is readily available as to the extent to which visits have been made within the last two years to the places mentioned and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I receive this information.
§ Mr. CooperDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that Colonial officials, including 1944 district officers, much appreciate visits being made to these outlying districts, and could he encourage such visits to take place on every possible occasion when visits are being made, rather than, as they usually are, to the places which are easier of access?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI fully appreciate that. We will do all we can to facilitate these visits.