§ 39. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Federal Government of Nigeria have been concerned with the granting of oil concessions to the Shell-B.P. Petroleum Company; and what conditions, with regard to the sharing of profits, if the oil so far discovered is found to be of commercial value, have been established by the contracting parties.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Federal Government of Nigeria are responsible for the granting of these concessions. The conditions on which profits should be shared are in process of negotiation between the Federal Government and the company.
§ Mr. IrvingI think that we all welcome the arrival of some of this oil in this country. It is an historic moment and we hope that there will be more to come. Will the hon. Gentleman urge on the oil companies a most generous and wise settlement of this matter, because the oil comes from the poorest Nigerian Region—the Eastern Region—and we hope for a satisfactory solution of the problem?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am sure that this is properly a matter for the Nigerian Government.