HC Deb 28 April 1969 vol 782 cc935-6
41. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the position in Anguilla.

Mr. Foley

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend told the House in the debate on 23rd April.—[Vol. 782, c. 487–98.]

Mr. Griffiths

Is that not a very disturbing admission? Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that the other day the Minister said nothing, and that if he cannot add to that he is merely compounding his embarrassment? Surely we ought to be told whether there is shortly to be some form of elections in Anguilla so that the people's will will be made known. Can we also have a clear answer as to whether there is to be a White Paper from the British Government on the arms which it is claimed to have been discovered and on the men who are said to be subverting the island?

Mr. Foley

I can only assume that the hon. Member was not present at the debate the other day. My right hon. Friend promised that he would examine how and in what form he would present additional information to the House on the subjects which were raised during that debate. He is in the process of doing so.

Mr. Braine

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not a satisfactory answer? Will he recall that last Wednesday the Secretary of State spoke for the first time not merely of intimidation and arson but of murder as a reason for the military intervention? Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that we pressed from this side of the House for the publication of a White Paper? Will he not give an assurance now that this White Paper will be presented at the earliest possible date?

Mr. Foley

There are Questions on the Order Paper relating to arms which have been discovered and murder there, and the answers will be available later today.

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