§ 21. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek to arrange that Mr. Anthony Lee or another British Administrator remains in Anguilla and continues to work for an accommodation between the people of Anguilla and other peoples of the St. Kitts Nevis-Anguilla group.
§ Mr. FoleyI would refer the hon. and learned Gentleman to the reply that 869 my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston-upon-Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 5th February.—[Vol. 777, c. 127–9.]
§ Sir Knox CunninghamSince Her Majesty's Government are responsible for the foreign affairs of Anguilla, would the hon. Gentleman not take steps to see that communications are kept open between the people of Anguilla and foreign countries, and particularly that Her Majesty's mail is not stopped?
§ Mr. FoleyI would not deny that we are responsible for foreign affairs, but this issue is an internal affair. We have taken steps to maintain consultations and links with the people of Anguilla.
§ Mr. MartenWhy did the Government reject the proposition made in December that a Minister should go out to Anguilla and St. Kitts to try to resolve this difficulty? He could have gone in the Recess. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of us on this side are becoming increasingly critical of the Government's handling of this situation and of the consequences which are about to follow as the result of their inaction? What action will they take?
§ Mr. FoleyThe possibilities, of course, for further mediation are limited by the constitutional position. I am glad to say that my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will be visiting the Associated States of the Eastern Caribbean later this month and will take up these matters. As to whether he will visit Anguilla, that will depend on his discussions on the spot. Mr. Lee will be there and involved with him.
§ Mr. BraineCan the hon. Gentleman confirm that aid to this small community has been cut off? Is this not somewhat unfair, bearing in mind the nature of the dispute in the first place? What positive steps are being taken by the Government to end this unhappy affair?
§ Mr. FoleyOn the latter point, I have said that my hon. Friend will be visiting the area later this month. As to the development aid, it is allocated to the State of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla as a whole by Parliament, and the consent of 870 the State Government is, therefore, necessary for part of it to be given direct to Anguilla. The State Government's consent was obtained during the interim settlement period but was withdrawn with the termination of the interim settlement.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamBecause of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter again.