§ Lord BOYD-CARPENTERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Government of Nigeria has yet paid compensation to the British interests concerned for the oil properties nationalised without notice in August: and whether the total amount due has now been agreed.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, BP, the only company involved, are in touch with the Nigerian authorities, but detailed discussions between them in respect of compensation for BP's assets which were nationalised by the Federal Military Government have yet to take place; and no compensation has so far been paid.
§ Lord BOYD-CARPENTERMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. and declare what I am sorry to say is, unhappily, a minute interest in the company concerned. In view of the fact that possession of the property has passed, may I ask him why discussions on compensation are not even started after this interval of time?
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, the principal reason has been a change of Government in Nigeria.