HC Deb 21 January 1970 vol 794 cc151-2W
61 and 62. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many officers and men of the Royal Navy have been detached on loan to the Federal Nigerian Navy; and for what purpose;

(2) if all officers and men of the Royal Navy who are detached on loan to the Federal Nigerian Navy have volunteered for this service.

Mr. Foley

Seven officers and ratings of the Royal Navy, together with one civilian, have been lent to the Federal Nigerian Navy. All of them have volunteered for this service. Their functions are to assist the Commander of the Naval Forces of Nigeria in the discharge of his responsibilities for the training and develop Went of those forces.

Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurance he has given to officers and men of the Royal Navy on loan to the Federal Nigerian Navy shat they will not be involved directly or indirectly in the Nigerian civil war.

Mr. Foley

The agreement made with the Federal Government of Nigeria concerning the setting up of a British Training Team for the Naval Forces of Nigeria is on the normal lines of training team agreements with other Commonwealth countries. It contains the standard provision that members of the training team will not take part in hostilities in which the forces of the host country might be involved.