§ 79. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations where Dr. Victor Allen is imprisoned in Nigeria; what are his conditions; and what is the state of his health.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesDr. Allen was transferred from Lagos to the Federal prison at Jos in Northern Nigeria on 2nd December. I understand that the climate there is one of the best in the country. According to reports received from officers of the British High Commission in Nigeria who have visited him there on three occasions, Dr. Allen's material conditions are very satisfactory and his health seems to have improved. He has nevertheless been excused work for the bulk of the time since his imprisonment. He is allowed to receive newspapers and books freely.
§ 80. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what progress Dr. Victor Allen is making in his appeal to the Nigerian High Court.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe appeal is in fact to the High Court of Western Nigeria. Notice of the grounds of Dr. Allen's appeal have already been filed and the necessary fees paid. Certain procedural formalities still remain to be carried out however. When these have been completed by Dr. Allen's counsel, I see no reason to expect any delay in the hearing of the appeal.