§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement on the provision of British assistance to Nigeria for relief of the people of the former state of Biafra.
§ Mr. WoodMy Department took over responsiblity for relief and rehabilitation from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 1st April, 1970, and is now responsible for the expenditure of the unexpended portion of the £5 millions made available by Her Majesty's Government for this purpose in January, 1970. The balance available is £3.2 millions. Part of it will be used to help finance and support the work of the British voluntary societies assisting rehabilitation in the areas affected by the war, in particular the East Central State. This support includes the provision of drugs, motor transport, seed supplies for food planting programmes and the payment of salaries. Beyond this, large amounts of supplies and equipment are being provided in response to requirements notified by the Federal Military Government on behalf of the war-affected States. These supplies284W include motor vehicles and spares, drugs, hospital equipment, mobile telephone exchanges, agricultural tools, fishing equipment, equipment for schools, and building materials.