TNAG-1125-FCO40-1400-British-Nationality-Act-1981-and-the-Dependent-Territories-1982 — Page 119

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[Lord Belstead.] respect, does not seem to have gone home-that this is not what the Pitcairn islanders require.

Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, may I say that on a matter of pure information there was some surprise? If the Governor does not reside on the island, can the noble Lord say where he does reside?

Lord Belstead: My Lords, the Governor is Sir Richard Stratton, who is our High Commissioner in New Zealand. He is resident in New Zealand and he paid this visit, which is in fact the first Governor's visit since 1976, from the 11th to the 18th June.

Lord Brockway: My Lords, does the Minister agree that his original reply did not tell us much more than that discussions are proceeding? Can he give us any indication when these discussions are likely to conclude, and can he say whether a statement will be made to this House when they are?

Lord Belstead: My Lords, I must apologise to the noble Lord, Lord Brockway, and, indeed, to the noble Lord, Lord McNair, who asked the original Question, if I have inadvertently misled the House. The situation is that the governor, in paying his visit, had two discussions with the Island Council. As the original reply said, during those discussions numerous matters of current interest, and matters concerning the island's future development, were discussed. There is no secret about them, but these are matters primarily between the island council and the governor because they will involve, in some cases, the expenditure of money. If there is anything further that I can say on these matters, I certainly wish to do so. I would not be averse, in the least, to writing a letter to the noble Lord, Lord McNair, and copying it to the noble Lord, Lord Brockway, if that would help. These are not secrets, but I do not think I can add a great deal more across the Floor of the House to help noble Lords today.

Lord McNair: My Lords, perhaps in conclusion I may ask the noble Lord about two specific points. First, on the reservoir, as I am sure the noble Lord is aware, in the last year they have had water crisis on the island, in spite of their abundant rainfall. This is because they have no way of storing water. Does the noble Lord agree that all that seems to be needed is a simple reservoir, such as one has on many farms? Would it be possible for Major Jason-Smith, if he is still there, to advise them on how to construct this and what material to order? Lastly, is the noble Lord aware of what one might call the Henderson Island project, which involves the construction of an airstrip on Henderson Island, which is relatively near, and which would not use up all the arable land on Pacairn Island? If the noble Lord is aware of this project, which I believe the governor discussed with the island council can he tell us whether Her Majesty's Government would regard it with sympathy if the islanders proceeded ?

Lord Belstead: My Lords, as regards the important first point concerning water storage, Major Jason-

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Smith was asked, if he had time, to look at any technical problems which the islanders may have. So far as putting an airstrip on Henderson Island is concerned, the only person I know of who wishes to be on Henderson Island at the moment is an American millionaire who has said that he wants to live there, and the island council have agreed. So I think that that point does not help with the airstrip problem.