§ 15. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the report on the Niger waters by the Dutch engineers will be available; whether he will consider publishing an interim report; and when such a report will be available.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe report on investigations of the Niger Delta should be ready about the end of this year. The report on the possibility of extending the period of navigability of the rivers Niger and Benue will not be ready for some years. However, a report on a preliminary reconnaissance for the latter will be ready in a few weeks' time. It will be for the Nigerian Government to decide whether any of the reports should be published.
§ Mr. TilneyCould my right hon. Friend make arrangements for that report to be made available in the Library of the House?
§ Mr. HopkinsonIt will be for the Nigerian Government to decide whether any report is published, but, on the face of it, it looks as if the preliminary report will not contain enough information of public interest to justify publication in full. If it is not published, the Nigerian Government will certainly deal with it in a Press communication.