§ LORD PARG1TERMy 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 what steps they propose to take to protect the constitution of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the event of this country's adherence to the Treaty of Rome.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD WINDLESHAM)My Lords, the arangements that we are seeking with the Community on behalf of the Bailiwick of Guernsey have been formulated after close consultation with the Bailiwick's representatives. They do not carry significant implications for the constitution of the Bailiwick. The Island authorities have been given an assurance that if, when the terms are known, they do not wish to accept them, Her Majesty's Government will not seek to impose accession on them.
§ LORD PARGITERMy Lords, I am grateful for that Answer from the noble Lord, although it does not appear to carry us very far. Having regard to the Islands almost complete dependence on horticulture, may I ask the noble Lord, whether the Government have in mind to take any special steps to protect them, 844 in the same way as they are endeavour-ing to protect, say, New Zealand?
§ LORD WINDLESHAMMy Lords, the negotiations in Brussels, are not yet complete, but the Government are hope-ful that terms will be negotiated which will be acceptable to the Islands.