§ 20. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what help was rendered in Nigeria for the development of co-operative societies in each of the three years preceding independence; and what arrangements were made to ensure that such help did not cease suddenly.
§ Mr. H. FraserIn 1957, my right hon. Friend's Adviser on Co-operation visited Nigeria and made recommendations. In 1958, a training course for Senior Cooperative Department staff in Africa, arranged at Buea in the Southern Cameroons, included a study tour in Nigeria, and six Nigerian officers attended the course.
In reply to the second part of the Question, the development of co-operative societies in Nigeria subsequent to independence is, of course, a matter for the Government of Nigeria, and I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to his Questions to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations on 9th and 23rd February. The Nigerian authorities were advised of the arrangements which would in general be available for technical assistance from the U.K. after independence. These could, of course, include assistance in regard to co-operation.