§ 20. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked.he Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the recent talks in Wellington between members of the British Phosphate Commission.
§ Mr. George ThomasYes, Sir. It was lot the British Phosphate Commissioners put officials representing the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom who met in Wellington in September, 1967, to discuss future arrangements for the Ocean Island phosphate industry. They made agreed recommendations, which have been placed in he Library. These have since been approved by the three Governments.
§ Mr. IrvineDo the recommendations mean that the taxation of 80 per cent. of the amount that is given to the owners of Ocean Island will, in fact, be continued?
§ Mr. ThomasThe agreement means that there will be much greater advantage for the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, and I hope also for the Banaban community.