§ 29. Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with a study on a new form of constitution for the Seychelles.
§ Mr. KershawThe present constitution has been in force only since October 1970. We have received no representations from the Seychelles Government nor any evidence that a clear majority of the people are in favour of a further change.
§ Mr. MatherIs my hon. Friend aware that this is very much a political issue in the Seychelles in regard to the future of those islands? Is he also aware that as far as can be ascertained, a large majority of people in the Seychelles are in favour of closer ties with Britain? Will he give further consideration to this whole constitutional aspect?
§ Mr. KershawSince the Constitution has been in force for only a year, we ought to give it a chance to see whether it answers the purpose for which it was set up. As for closer constitutional ties with this country, I realise that the Seychelles Democratic Party advocates such ties. We would welcome close ties, but the question is complicated. There are 5 million people in the dependent territories, all of whom have to be considered.