§ 4. Mr. Fisherasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he will make a statement about future aid to Nigeria, following his recent visit there.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI am glad to have this opportunity of saying that I was greatly impressed by what I saw of Nigeria's economic development. I intend to continue to support their development programmes. Our programme of technical assistance and supplementation of salaries of certain British personnel will shortly rise to about £2 million per annum, and of the £50 million of capital aid offered to Nigeria since they achieved independence, £21 million remains to be disbursed over the next few years. While I was in Lagos, I announced that Her Majesty's Government would, subject to Parliamentary approval, make an additional loan to Nigeria of £2.356 million.
§ Mr. FisherDid the right hon Gentleman meet any of our technical assistants or V.S.O. people during his visit, and will he confirm that they are doing most valuable work there which is greatly appreciated?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI am most grateful to the hon. Gentleman. I met a large number of them, and it is perfectly true that the work they are doing is greatly appreciated by the Nigerian Government and the Nigerian people.