HC Deb 25 November 1985 vol 87 cc418-9W
Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he or his officials have had any discussions since 1981 with the Nigerian authorities over trade in relation to export credit guarantees or other trade involving alleged frauds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

Neither my right hon. and learned Friend nor our officials have discussed alleged trade frauds with the Nigerian authorities. The Nigerian high commission asked the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in September 1983 to put Nigerian police officers visiting the United Kingdom into contact with the United Kingdom police authorities to investigate alleged frauds involving forged export documents. The Nigerians were given the name of the appropriate police officer.

Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department's assistance was sought to help members of the fraud squad to go to Nigeria to investigate alleged fraud in relation to trade; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

Yes, in July 1985 by the City of London police. The Nigerian authorities were approached accordingly but a visit has not yet taken place.

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