§ 30. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on recent events in Nigeria in so far as British interests are affected; and if all British people there are safe.
§ Mr. BottomleyThere are approximately 18,500 United Kingdom citizens in Nigeria. The British High Commissioner in Lagos has been in continuous touch with me about their welfare. I have also received helpful reports from British business firms active in Nigeria. I can assure the House that, apart from one incident in Western Nigeria in the course of which a British citizen was slightly injured, no incidents involving our community have taken place. British citizens wherever they are working are reported to be in good heart. Nothing that has occurred during the past week suggests that British lives or property are endangered. But we are naturally keeping a very close watch on developments.
§ Mr. TilneyWould not the right hon. Gentleman, in common with all sides of the House, deplore the death of the Nigerian Prime Minister who dedicated many years of his life to his country? Does the right hon. Gentleman not regard it as a major blow to African government? Supposing that the present Nigerian Government should prove more unstable than expected, would the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that British lives would be protected?
§ Mr. BottomleyOn the latter part of the supplementary question the answer is, "Certainly". As to the late Prime Minister of Nigeria, the hon. Gentleman will be aware that on behalf of the Government and the country I have expressed our great sorrow at the loss of a Commonwealth statesman.