§ 40. Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the visit of the Nigerian Commissioner for External Affairs to the United Kingdom.
§ Lord BalnielDr. Arikpo visited the United Kingdom as the guest of Her Majesty's Government from 28th November until 3rd December. This was part of the continuing series of exchanges at ministerial level between our two Governments in which my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister for Overseas Development visited Nigeria earlier this year. My right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary plans to go there early in 1973 and we hope that thereafter General Gowon will visit this country. We had a full and friendly discussion with Dr. Arikpo on all the principal matters which affect our relations. The Commissioner also had talks with my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Defence, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, 191W the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Minister for Overseas Development.