HC Deb 22 October 1969 vol 788 cc251-2W
Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the effect of the suspension of the International Committee of the Red Cross relief flights to Biafra on the famine situation and the death rate.

Mr. Luard

There are no reliable statistics or firm evidence about the pre- cise effect of the suspension of the I.C.R.C. airlift, although some reports indicate that there is severe shortage in some areas, especially among refugees.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received regarding the increase in the death rate in Biafra; and what further assistance Her Majesty's Government propose to provide.

Mr. Luard

My right hon. Friend receives many communications on the subject of Nigeria, representing various points of view, but few of these are concerned specifically with the question of the death rate in the rebel area.

Her Majesty's Government keep constantly under review the question of further assistance, taking account of the opportunities open to us.