3
Written Answers
6 APRIL 1970
Mr. Luard: It is the Hong Kong Gov- ernment's aim to provide free primary education for all who desire it and we are in constant touch with the Hong Kong Government about this issue. The total number of places available in Gov- ernment and subsidised primary schools is expected by the end of this year to exceed the estimated number of children of primary school age desiring places in such schools.
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Gilbert and Ellice Islands
34. Mr. Rose asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has re- ceived concerning the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; and whether he will investigate the conduct of the administration of the islands.
Mr. Luard : An
open letter was addressed by a Mr. W. A. Davies to my right hon. Friend and copied to certain other hon. Members. This has been re- ferred to the Resident Commissioner in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands for his comments. I will write to my hon. Friend when we have received a reply.
Nigeria
35. Mr. Rose asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will meet the Nigerian High Commissioner to discuss further the problem of the United Kingdom contri- bution of relief supplies and the dis- crimination against British journalists in the area formerly known as Biafra.
Mr. Foley: We are in constant touch with the Nigerian Government through the normal diplomatic channels and pro- posals for further assistance for relief and rehabilitation from the United Kingdom are under discussion. The control of visitors to the East Central State of Nigeria is entirely a matter for the Nigerian Government. I have seen no evidence that there is discrimination against British as opposed to foreign journalists.
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Jamaica and Windward Islands (Bananas)
37. Sir H. Harrison asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
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Written Answers
Affairs following the termination of the banana contract by Messrs. Fyffes with Jamaica, what steps he is taking to see that the producers of bananas in the Windward Islands continue to get an adequate return for their products.
Mr. Luard: British Ministers and Min- isters from Jamaica and the Windward Islands decided on 2nd March that the best step would be for a conciliator to be appointed. Fyffes Group and the Jamaica Banana Board accepted this pro- osal. With their agreement Lord Denning was approached and has agreed to act as the conciliator.
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Middle East
40. Mr. Henig asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics about the supply of arms to
Middle East countries.
Mr. Luard: I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Bil- lericay (Mr. Moonman).
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48. Sir B. Janner asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest British policy in respect of the Middle East.
Mr. Luard: I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) and my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).
Scottish Commercial Representatives
41. Mr. Woodburn asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will consider having separate Scottish representatives in all countries to promote Scottish trade; and if he will make an estimate of the prob- able cost of doing so.
Mr. George Thomson: No. Her Majesty's Government maintain commer- cial representatives in 210 cities around the world. In common with all other United Kingdom exporters, Scottish ex- porters have a full demand on their services.",
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