§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent British oil interests in the Ogoni area of Rivers state in Nigeria are being damaged by political unrest; and what representations he has made to the Nigerian Government on this issue.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI understand that the political unrest in the Ogoni area has led to a significant reduction in output from the Shell/AGIP/Elf joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. The oil companies concerned have made representations to the Nigerian Government for a greater share of the oil revenue to be expended in the oil producing area.
§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking further to improve the United Kingdom's relationship with Nigeria.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe value our relationship with Nigeria and maintain close contact with the Nigerian Government through our high commission. We look forward to progress towards a restoration of democratic civilian government, which would permit closer relations to develop.
§ Sir Michael GryllsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the possible impact on the United Kingdom, its investors, and its exporters, if further economic sanctions were to be imposed limiting trade with Nigeria; if he will make it his policy to oppose the introduction of any such sanctions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe and our European Union partners have introduced a number of measures directed at Nigeria's military Government to demonstrate our strong support for a return to democratic civilian rule. It is not the intention that such measures should harm economic relations.