§ 37. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to implement the British Solomon Islands Order of 24th March, 1970.
§ Mr. GodberThe Order was brought into operation by a proclamation of the 858 High Commissioner for the Western Pacific on 10th April, 1970. Elections to the Governing Council were held in June. The Council was first constituted on 15th July and it held its first public meetings later that month.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineAs conditions in the Solomon Islands are so different from those prevailing at Westminster, may I ask my right hon. Friend to convey to those who have worked out the constitution the congratulations from all of us here? Might we at the same time ask my right hon. Friend to convey to those who are working under the constitution our good wishes for the future?
§ Mr. GodberYes. I would not want to cast aspersions on Members of this House by comparison with the Solomon Islands, but I recognise that there is a difference and I am only too happy to endorse what my hon. Friend said.