§ Mr. Winnickasked the Minister of Overseas Development what further action is being undertaken by Her Majesty's Government regarding the provision of relief supplies for Nigeria.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will make a statement on the current British contribution to food and medical relief in the East Central Region of Nigeria.
§ Mrs. HartThe programme of rehabilitation and relief including the provision32W of food and medical aid in the areas affected by the civil war is the responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria. In the provision of relief the Nigerian authorities are being assisted by the international organisations and voluntary societies such as U.N.I.C.E.F., The World Food Programme and The Save the Children Fund.
The British contribution to food relief is made through the international organisations and by financial support to the voluntary societies assisting the Nigerian effort. As regards medical relief we are continuing to support the relief teams in the field and the possibility of our assisting in the reactivation of hospitals is also under consideration with the Nigerian authorities.
Some £1.8 million of the £5 million which was announced by the Prime Minister for relief and rehabilitation in Nigeria had been spent up to 31st March, 1970. Further requests from the Nigerian authorities for aid for rehabilitation and reconstruction have been received and are under consideration. If further requests for relief supplies are received we will do our best to meet them.