TNAG-1001-FCO40-1237-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-including--Report-of-the-1981 — Page 5

NOTES ON DEPENDENT TERRITORIES

PITCAIRN

ST HELENA

ASCENSION ISLAND

TRISTAN DA CUNHA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

TUVALU

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Present Constitution and Prospects for Independence

The Governor of Pitcairn is a personal appointment which in recent years has been held by the British High Commissioner to New Zealand. The Island Magistrate 'presides over the Island Council of 10 members dealing with parish affairs. Population about 60: no constitutional advance is possible. Evacuation may become necessary (most probably to New Zealand or Norfolk Island) but we hope that recent harbour improvements may help to sustain a viable community on Pitcairn.

Administered by Governor through Executive and Legislative Councils. No local pressure for independence. No constitutional changes since 1967.

Dependency of St Helena. Governor is executive and legislative authority for Ascension. Administrator, responsible to the Governor, is assisted by an Advisory Committee composed of representatives of the organisations at present using the Island. There is no ⚫ indigenous population, and therefore no pressure for independence.

Dependency of St Helena. Governor is legislative authority for Tristan da Cunha. Administrator is responsible to the Governor but works direct to FCO. He is advised by elected Island Council. Population of 300. No foreseeable possibility of constitutional advance.

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Internal self-government was introduced on 2 January 1976. The 38 elected members of the Legislative Assembly choose a Chief Minister who in turn selects his Council of 8 Ministers. The Constitution is being further amended to increase the number of Ministers to 10 and to recognise the Opposition and Independent groups. The Governor retains responsibility for defence, external affairs and internal security but in other matters is required to act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers. It is hoped that the protectorate will move to independence during 1978; the precise date will be fixed at an Independence Conference presently scheduled for September 1977.

Legal and constitutional separation from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony on 1 October 1975: full administrative separation on 1 January 1976. Ministerial Constitution. Independence expected on 1 October 1978 after elections and an Independence Conference.

Ministerial Constitution introduced after elections in September 1976. No local pressures for independence.