§ 4. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Overseas Development why financial sanctions, such as the withholding of pensions, lump sums compensation and other retiring benefits, have been imposed by Her Majesty's Government on British members of the former Eastern Nigeria public service who have returned to Biafra to take up temporary humanitarian assignments with the relief agencies at the agencies request.
§ Mr. OramWe have not withheld any payments due to any British member of the former Eastern Nigeria public service who has retired from that service or is at present being treated as if he had retired from it.
§ Mr. AllaunBut were not such retirement benefits unconditionally guaranteed by Her Majesty's Government under a special agreement with the former Eastern Nigerian Government?
§ Mr. OramThere were guarantees, but retirement benefits are due only on retirement. As my Answer made clear, no one who has retired is not receiving what is due to him.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIt is perfectly in order, is it not, for British subjects, whether former public servants or not, to do relief work in Biafra?