(W/33
553
Written Answers
18 JUNE 1280
further developed Commonwealth rela- tions; and we have made substantial prog- ress on a number of other fronts.
No one could be satisfied with the course of world events over a year which has seen, for example, the continued Viet- namese occupation of Cambodia; the holding of American diplomatic hostages in Ican: continuing tension in the Middle East; and, above all, the invasion of Afghanistan by, and continued presence of, the Soviet Army. It has therefore been a time of particular international tension.
Anguilla
Belize
British Antarctic Territory
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Falklands Islands and Dependencies Gibraltar
Hong Kong
Montserrat
New Hebrides
Pitcairn
St. Helena
(Ascension)
(Tristan Da Cunha)
Turks and Caicos Islands
Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list in the Official Report (a) the system of government which exists in each of the remaining United Kingdom depen- dent territories and (b) the system of local government which exists in the same terri- tories.
Mr. Blaker: The information requested by the hon. Member has been placed in the Library of the House; it summarises the system of central government, and of local administrations where applicable, in cach of the remaining dependent terri- tories, with the exception of the Anglo- French Condominium of the New Hebrides which is due to become independent on 30 July 1980.
Afghanistan
Mr. Dalyell asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on progress in Her Majesty's Government's initiative con- cerning the neutralisation of Afghanistan; and if he will list the Governments with whom he has been in contact.
Mr. Hurd : The proposal is for a neutral and non-aligned Afghanistan not for neut- ralisation which implies a solution imposed against the will of the Afghan people. It has been discussed with a great many
40 X 9
copy?
Written Answers
554
But throughout that period Britain has made an important contribution to world stability, and will continue to do so.
Dependent Territories
Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report the estimated population of dependent United Kingdom territories at the latest available date.
Mr. Blaker: The latest estimated popu- lation figures of dependent United King- dom territories is as follows:
...
...
6,500 140,000
No Indigenous Population No Indigenous Population
11,000 17,340
1,930
31,760
5,017,000
12,500 112,500
65
5,000
(1,150)
(300)
6,500
Western, Islamic and Non-Aligned coun- tries and with the Soviet Union and countries of Eastern Europe. These dis- cussions continue.
Government Communications
Headquarters
Mr. Cryer asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is satisfied with co-operation between the United States authorities and the Gov- ernment Communications Headquarters at Cheltenham.
Sir Ian Gilmour: Successive Govern- ments have in the past considered it in- appropriate to comment on security mat- ters. I propose to maintain this practice.
Gibraltar
Mr. Wall asked the Lord Privy Scal what preparations referred to in the Anglo- Spanish statement on Gibraltar and due to be completed on 1 June have, in fact, been completed.
Sir Ian Gilmour: On the British side by 1 June all the practical preparations for the start of negotiations and the restora- tion of direct communications between Gibraltar and Spain were completed. I am confident that the Spanish preparations will be completed soon.
BATE ...196.80
COL.
VEL.
5.5.4.
986