§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Minister of Overseas Development what further discussions he has had with the Government of Nigeria regarding possible assistance by Her Majesty's Government towards the rehabilitation of areas that have suffered through the civil war.
§ Mr. PrenticeAs my right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary informed the hon. Gentleman on 21st May, I am discussing with the Federal Nigerian Government the establishment of a pediatric unit to care for children who have suffered as a result of the civil war. I am also looking into the possibility of providing bridging and engineering equipment for emergency repairs to vital communications and public services. These items are in addition to our current aid programme to Nigeria which is expected to amount to over £7 million in the current financial year. They are also additional to the gift which the Government are making to the Red Cross for emergency relief work.
I hope to send one of my medical advisers to Nigeria in August to determine, in consultation with the Nigerian authorities, where the pediatric unit should be sited and what staff and equipment will 207W be needed. I shall also be consulting with the Nigerian authorities about the engineering equipment.—[Vol. 765, c. 267–8.]