§ 10. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Overseas Development what study he has made of the pamphlet,Nigeria Looks Ahead, a copy of which is in his possession, with reference to the supply of educational equipment to areas which have suffered from military conflict.
§ Mr. PrenticeI have read this pamphlet, which is published by the Federal Ministry of Information of Nigeria. We have not yet had any official requests for supplies of educational equipment for areas which have suffered from military conflict, but, as I told my hon. Friend on 21st January, we would consider any such requests sympathetically.—[Vol. 776; c. 223.]
§ Mr. DalyellCould there be discussions with Alhasi Aminu Kano and other Ministers on this point?
§ Mr. PrenticeThe proper procedure is for contacts between the British High Commission in Lagos and the authorities there. My Department has been in touch with our High Commission recently, drawing its attention to this matter and telling it that we are prepared to consider any request for aid sympathetically.
§ Mr. James JohnsonCan my right hon. Friend confirm that there must be at least four million Ibos in the areas now administered by Federal forces? Since they are living peacefully and settling down with their fellow Nigerians, is it not important that we give aid of this kind?
§ Mr. PrenticeI have said that we are prepared to give aid to help the rehabilitation of educational establistments in the areas where the fighting has taken place. We must, of course, await official requests for this from the Nigerian authorities.