§ 108. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Overseas Development what information he has over British aid to Nigeria for the assistance of people in the area formerly known as Biafra; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodIn 1968–69 Her Majesty's Government gave £970,000 for relief in Nigeria. This was spent through international organisations and through the British voluntary agencies operating there. In 1969–70 a further £2.5 million was spent. £1.8 million of this was from the £5 million which was made available when hostilities ended.
Much of this expenditure was on supplies asked for and sent direct to the Nigerian authorities. The balance of the £5 million will be spent in the current financial year. The funds will be used to support the work of the voluntary societies who are helping the State authorities to distribute food and medical supplies, and also to meet the cost of items, requested by the Federal Military Government and urgently needed for the war-affected States. These include vehicles and vehicle spares, drugs, medical supplies, mobile telephone exchanges, equipment for schools, fishing equipment, agricultural implements and building materials.