§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper, and to be allowed to add a word of welcome to our distinguished visitor, General Gowon, who has rendered great services to his country at a very critical period in her history.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any information about the fall in the Ibo population of Nigeria since the commencement of the Biafran war.
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, reverting to the Question, Her Majesty's Government do not have this information. As noble Lords are aware, it is not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to comment on the internal affairs of another State. But I am glad to take this opportunity to say that after the end of the Nigerian civil war General Gowon and the Federal Military Government showed the utmost magnanimity towards the defeated side and to pay tribute to the policies of reconciliation which they have pursued.
§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, is the noble Marquess aware that the Ibo population of Nigeria have had to endure great suffering and hardship since the end of the Biafran war and that their numbers have been reduced from 14 million to 4 million? And can Her Majesty's Government use their influence upon the Government of Nigeria to further the work of reconciliation and the avoidance of discrimination against the Ibo people?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, as I have said, it is not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to comment on the internal affairs of another country. Obviously any war, civil or otherwise, leaves great horrors in its wake. I should like to confine myself to repeating that General Gowon and his Government have done their very best in this way to try to pursue a policy of reconciliation with the Ibo race, and I hope and feel happy to think that they will continue to do so.
§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, can Her Majesty's Government urge the Government of Nigeria to allow a resumption of missionary activities and free access for foreign journalists to the Ibo territories in Eastern Nigeria, so that the outside world may be given the fullest opportunity of rendering every possible help?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I will certainly take note of what the noble Lord has said.