§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government, arising from the rejection of the arbitrator's scheme for settling the dispute between Guatemala and British Honduras, what action they are taking to ensure the economic viability and security of British Honduras.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD CHALFONT)My Lords, we have given and continue to give substantial development aid to British Honduras. We are always ready to discuss with British Honduras ways and means of strengthening its economy and to look at any request for assistance in the promotion of its economic development. With regard to defence, Her Majesty's Government will continue to be responsible for defence arrangements as long as British Honduras remains a dependent territory.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer, may I ask him whether the Government would consider two proposals: first, that there should be a conference of the ex-British Colonies in the Caribbean with British Honduras to consider the economic development of the whole area; and secondly, in view of the Monroe Doctrine, whether there could be discussions with the Government of the United States of America regarding the frontiers of British Honduras?
§ LORD CHALFONTMy Lords, of course the Government will consider, as they always do, the constructive suggestion of my noble friend.