HC Deb 18 October 1945 vol 414 c1355
32. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory economic conditions in Guernsey as a result of enemy occupation, and whether he will indicate what financial help the Government propose to give.

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir. The general financial situation of Guernsey, and of Jersey is receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government in consultation with the Island authorities, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Lipson

Can my right hon. Friend say when he hopes to make the statement, and can he give an assurance that the happy precedent set in the case of Abyssinia will be followed?

Mr. Ede

The position is that elections are due to take place in those Islands within a very few weeks. Almost as soon as I took office I invited representatives of the States of those Islands to meet me in London. I have been in consultation with them and with the recently appointed Lieutenant Governors since, and I am hopeful that after the authorities there have renewed their strength by these elections it will be possible to resume the negotiations and bring them to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion.