HC Deb 17 October 1968 vol 770 cc573-4
38. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Minister for Overseas Development what economic aid is being given to Nigeria; what further aid is proposed; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Albert E. Oram)

The value of our aid programme in the current financial year will be about £7 million, of which over £5 million is capital aid and the remainder technical assistance. We have told the Federal Military Government that if they have urgent reconstruction requirements from the United Kingdom which could be paid for during the current United Kingdom financial year, we would hope to be able to provide some additional assistance for them. I cannot now give details of what aid we may provide for Nigeria next year but I hope it will be at much the same level as this year.

Mr. Leadbitter

I thank my hon. Friend for that information, but I hope that he will discuss with his right hon. Friends the illogicality—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman must ask a question.

Mr. Leadbitter

Is my hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members, particularly on this side of the House, find the amount of aid illogical compared with the amount of weapons supplied? In other words, we do not see the point of providing medical aid to heal the wounds which are made by weapons from this country.

Mr. Oram

The aid which we are providing to Nigeria arises from commitments over a long period of years. I see no reason in the present situation why we should discontinue helping the projects which we have established jointly with the Nigerians.

Mr. Braine

I am sure that the whole House will be glad to hear that we are taking a hand in the long-term rehabilitation and development of Nigeria. However, is there not a much more pressing problem calling for assistance from this country? Can the hon. Gentleman give the House some information about the aid being given in respect of famine relief?

Mr. Oram

That is not a matter foe my Department. The hon. Gentleman will recall that a £250,000 grant for emergency relief was agreed to quite recently following Lord Hunt's Mission.