§ 32. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement on the progress of the help being given to Nigeria in the current programmes of reconstruction.
§ Mrs. HartThe House will know that we have recently offered to increase the 1969 £1 million loan by up to £1 million, plus a further loan of up to £1.7 million for disbursement during the financial year 1970–71. Following discussions in London last month agreement was reached on the goods and services which could be provided under these loans. Some of these were for rehabilitation and reconstruction and some for longer-term development.
Discussions are currently taking place with the Nigerian authorities, through the High Commission in Lagos, on their further needs.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs my right hon. Friend aware that I am much obliged to her for that answer? Can she say whether any manpower resources are being sent to Nigeria as volunteers? In other words, will she give consideration to the possibility of asking for volunteer skilled technicians and the like, because these people will clearly be invaluable to the Nigerian authorities?
§ Mrs. HartWe all know that there are lists available in the medical sphere which can adequately meet any needs that the Nigerians may have. In the more technical areas we are aware of 577 people who would be available. It is very much a matter, as my hon. Friend says, of seeing what the Nigerians ask us to provide.
§ Mr. Simon MahonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are many people who have given their lives to the people of Nigeria, in particular missionaries? Will she ensure, as soon as is possible and proper, that arrangements are made to facilitate their return to that country, for the benefit of the people and the country?
§ Mrs. HartI appreciate my hon. Friend's remarks. I think that he will recognise that this is very much a matter for the Nigerian Government to consider as conditions settle down.