§ 13. Dame Joan Vickersasked the Minister of Overseas Development to what extent oil has been found in Tonga; and whether his Department will consider giving advice and aid with a view to its exploitation.
§ Mr. PrenticeSeveral minor seepages of oil have been observed in Tonga since last September. It remains to be seen whether oil is present in commercial quantities.
In response to a request from the Government of Tonga my Department has already advised them on their negotiations with the petroleum companies and on the enactment of the necessary legislation. We are helping to arrange further specialist advice.
§ Dame Joan VickersI am grateful to the Minister for his reply. If oil is found in sufficient quantities, will he see that the local people are trained so that they have more employment? There is a great unemployment problem in the island at present.
§ Mr. PrenticeTalks took place recently within my Department between officials and representatives of the Government of Tonga on the kind of technical assistance they require at present for the immediate exploration of the deposits and for their future negotiations with the companies likely to do the work. We shall keep in touch with them as the situation develops.