§ 13. Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an assurance that no steps will be taken to ratify the present agreement between the partner Governments in the Britsh Phosphates Commission in the Gilbert Islands Colony Government relating to the future management of Ocean Island's phosphates against the will of the Banabans who own the land on Ocean Island, before Her Majesty's Government's final decision is announced on the Banabans' petition for the independence of their homeland.
§ Mr. RowlandsNo, Sir. I hope that full agreement can be reached on new arrangements for the phosphate industry very shortly.
§ Sir Bernard BraineIs the hon. Gentleman aware that although over the years Her Majesty's Government have given firm and solemn assurances to the Banabans that their rights on Ocean Island would be respected, the Chief Minister of the Gilbert Islands said at Tarawa on 19th June that after independence he would not necessarily be bound by those assurances? Is it not entirely wrong for talks to take place this month, or for any agreement to be entered into regarding the future of the Gilbert Islands, without drawing the Banabans into the consultations and giving them assurances as to their future? Finally, will the Minister take note that Parliament is unlikely to agree to constitutional arrangements based upon any breach of solemn undertakings given by British Governments?
§ Mr. RowlandsThe Banaban leaders were present and initialled the agreed 1358 minute following the discussions that occurred last month on the phosphate industry, although they entered their reservations. The development of the constitution of the Gilbert Islands does not in any way jeopardise the broader issues involved in independence and the issues of the Banaban petition.
§ Mr. HooleyIs my hon. Friend aware that over a decade Members from both sides of the House have been striving to get a fair deal for poor people who have been badly treated in this matter? Is it not time that the House and the Government recognised the British moral obligation towards these people?
§ Mr. RowlandsI recognise the legitimate interests, feelings and wishes of the Banabans, as, indeed, of all the islanders on the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. I have visited the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and have had many discussions with the Banabans. I do not think that their rights and wishes have been overruled.
§ Mr. ThompsonDo not the Government have any special moral obligation towards peoples in colonies and protectorates whose resources have been pillaged during the protectorate?
§ Mr. RowlandsWe have responsibility, which we accept, for the interests of all the islanders. The hon. Gentleman, if he has followed these difficult cases, will realise that there is a conflict of interest within the islands regarding future development.