HC Deb 26 June 1978 vol 952 cc1033-5
39. Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Minister of Overseas Development to whom the offer of a resources survey, which would enable the Banabans to resume their occupation of Banaba or Ocean Island, was made; what reply she has received to the offer; and by whom the survey is to be carried out.

The Under-Secretary of State for Overseas Development (Mr. John Tomlinson)

Our offer, whose objective would be to provide an assessment of the island's resources for habitation and development, was made to the Gilbert Islands' Government and the Rabi Council of Leaders. They have not yet replied. A decision on who should carry out the survey would be made after a preliminary appraisal.

Sir B. Braine

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that information. Is he aware that what concerns those in this House who are ashamed of the shabby way in which the Banabans were treated in the past is the absence of any disposition to return their island to them or to provide them with the economic means of rehabilitating it after the exhaustion of the phosphates? Will he bear in mind that there is a new Government in the Gilberts and a new Council of Leaders of the Banabans, and that it behoves the British Government to take some initiative in this matter and not to wait for those people to act?

Mr. Tomlinson

Obviously I know of the concern of the hon. Gentleman and of many other hon. Members about the position, but we have made the offer and it is because of the changes of Government and the change in the Rabi Council that some delay in response has been caused. But plainly it is impossible for the Government to respond until we have heard their reaction to our offer. That is why we are waiting for it now and look forward to receiving it as soon as possible.

40. Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what specific proposals she has made for the rehabilitation of Banaba or Ocean Island at the end of phosphate mining.

Mr. Tomlinson

No specific proposals for the rehabilitation of Banaba have been made.

Mr. Hooley

Is my hon. Friend aware that, whatever other aspects of this matter may be in doubt, there is no doubt whatever of the absolute determination of the Banaban people to return to their traditional home, and that there is a moral, legal and economic obligation on Her Majesty's Government to facilitate that return in the light of the disgraceful way that these people have been treated over the past 50 years?

Mr. Tomlinson

Clearly we know what my hon. Friend says, and that is why the proposal has been made. Once the proposal has been accepted by both parties to whom it has been communicated, we have it in mind to send out a representative of the Ministry of Overseas Development, together with a member of the staff of the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, so that they can make an appraisal to assist that very process to which my hon. Friend refers.