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Written Answers be considered in the St. Lucia House of Assembly. Relevant matters can also be discussed at the conference to decide a independent St. constitution for Lucia.

23

Rhodesia

Mr. Lee asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will receive Bishop Muzorewa dur- ing any future visits that the Bishop may make to the United Kingdom, provided that he first resigns from the newly con- stituted illegal Executive Council in Rhodesia.

Mr. Rowlands: As in the past, my right hon. Friend is prepared to meet any of the parties for discussions when it seems appropriate to do so.

Chief of Defence Staff (Speech)

Mr. Lee asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the recent interview in Areopagus by the Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Neil Cameron likening the Soviet Union to the anti-Christ had been approved by his Department; and if it represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Luard: It has been made clear that Sir Neil Cameron's remarks quoted in Areopagus" were his personal views, expressed in a private capacity.

My right hon. Friend decribed the Gov- ernment's present policy towards the Soviet Union when he addressed the Bri- tish/Soviet Parliamentary Group on 9th May, and has arranged for the text of his remarks to be placed in the Library of the House.

Banabans

Mr. Lee asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the British Phosphate Commission urging the early settlement of the monetary pay- ment to the Barabans due as a result of the judgment of the High Court in the case of Tito v. The British Phosphate Commission.

Mr. Luard: My right hon. Friend understands that discussions are at pres- ent in progress between legal representa tives of the British Phosphate Commis- sion and of the Bagabans in the hope of an early disposal of those actions to which

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the Commission is a party. In these cir- cumstances he sees no need for represen- tations.

Mr. Lee asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response the Government are now prepared to make to the Vice-Chancel- lor's invitation to right a wrong done to the Banaban people, which he judged was not within the competence of the High Court in the case of Tito and others v. the Attorney-General.

Mr. Luard: On 27th May 1977 my right hon. Friend announced that the three partner Governments of the British Phosphate Commission were prepared to make available on an ex-gratia basis, and without admitting any liability, a sum of 10 million Australian dollars to establish a fund for the Banabans' future.

Dominica

Mr. William Shelton asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs if he will make a state- ment on the discussions taking place with the Government of Dominica regarding their request for independence within the Commonwealth.

Mr. Rowlands : Progress has been made in narrowing the differences between the two parties in Dominica concerning an independence constitution. A senior official is now in Dominica to discuss the remaining issues.

Hong Kong

Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if consideration will be given to the appointment of a Chinese to the governor- ship of Hong Kong following the retire- ment of the present Governor :

(2) if consideration has been given to a political appointment to the governor- ship of Hong Kong following the expira- tion of the term of office of the present Governor.

Mr. Luard: All qualified candidates will be considered.

Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, prior to confirming the extension

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INDEX

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1 MAY 1978

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12

REGIATI Action Take

DATE ...!slsl.22 COL.....6.6W

VOL 95o

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