§ 4. Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions he has had with the French Government about constitutional advance for the New Hebrides.
§ 6. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the New Hebrides.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI am at present considering how best to make progress in co-operation with the French Government on constitutional and other matters. I have had no discussions so far with the French Government.
§ Mr. ChannonWould the Secretary of State agree that this would be an ideal opportunity for the Prime Minister to discuss this matter with President de Gaulle in the next few days? Does he not think that it is an extraordinary anomaly that this condominium should survive in its present form, and so little attempt should be made to get constitutional advance for it?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI cannot anticipate what my right hon. Friend will be discussing during his talks with President de Gaulle. There are many aspects of the present administrative set-up in the New Hebrides which are far from satisfactory. Quite recently, my senior adviser visited the South Pacific and went to the New Hebrides. I am awaiting his report.
§ Mr. IrvineAs there are at least some people in the South Pacific who are under the impression that Her Majesty's Government have very little interest in the New Hebrides, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that that illusion is dispelled?
§ Mr. GreenwoodAs I said, one of my senior advisers has recently visited the New Hebrides and I hope that that will have dispelled any impression of apathy which may have arisen over the years.
§ Mr. J. AmeryWill the right hon. Gentleman have in mind the great importance of establishing the closest co-operation with France on the whole sphere of work of the South Pacific Commission?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI hope to establish the closest co-operation with all nations over the work of that Commission.