§ 13. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what assistance was offered by Her Majesty's Government to the Nigerian Government for the movement of refugees during recent disturbances there.
§ Mr. BowdenNone, Sir. As my noble Friend Lord Beswick said in another place on 20th October, the welfare and rehabilitation of these refugees is a domestic problem for the Nigerian authorities and one in which other Governments can participate only at the express request of the Nigerian Government. No such request has been received by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. JuddDoes my right hon. Friend agree that in view of the Government's commendable concern with human life on the African Continent we could, in a spirit of partnership, have offered assistance in this tragic situation to another member of the Commonwealth?
§ Mr. BowdenMy hon. Friend ought not to assume that assistance was not offered. Furthermore, a great deal of work was done by British expatriates in Nigeria to assist with the Nigerian problem.