§ 17. Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he will do to assist in the economic development of Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia and Sierra Leone in the next three years.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe expect to maintain substantial programmes of technical co-operation for Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia and Sierra Leone in the next three years. We also aim to continue with project aid in Ghana and The Gambia. In addition, we expect to provide balance of payments support for all four countries, on condition that economic adjustment programmes, supported by the IMF and IBRD are in place.
§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the present status of relations with Ghana.
§ Mrs. ChalkerOur relations with Ghana are close and friendly. The British Government play a significant role in support of Ghana's programme of economic re-structuring through our bilateral aid programme and the multilateral institutions. I visited Ghana from 28 to 30 June, accompanied by a group of British business men. During my visit I had discussions on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues with the Head of State, Flt. Lt. J. J. Rawlings, and other members of the Ghanaian Government.
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§ 67. Mr. WilkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on current British-Nigerian relations.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe enjoy close and warm relations with Nigeria. Following the state visit to the United Kingdom by President Babangida in May, I led a large party of United Kingdom business men to Nigeria on 25 and 26 June. I held talks with President Babangida and other members of the Nigerian Government, and opened a hydrocarbons seminar sponsored jointly by the DTI and the Energy Industries Council. Both my visit and the seminar seem to have been highly successful.