HL Deb 16 July 1979 vol 401 cc1130-1

2.48 p.m.

Baroness VICKERS

My 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 whether any agreement has been reached between Belize and Guatemala, and, if not, what action they propose to take.

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, no agreement has been reached. Her Majesty's Government will continue to pursue a negotiated settlement.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, in view of the fact, as I understand it, that the majority of countries at the United Nations supported Belize recently, may I ask the noble Lord whether they are planning to take action? If not, will Her Majesty's Government reopen the matter with the United Nations? Are they continuing to build the new capital? Is the new mental hospital under construction?

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, my noble friend is, of course, quite right about the United Nations, and in common with noble Lords opposite we all of us want to see a settlement here, so that Belize can get its independence. But I do not think there is much point in starting negotiations, unless one can see that progress is likely to be made. As my noble friend knows, there is going to be an election in Belize in the not very distant future. Perhaps we shall have a better idea after that about what the situation is likely to be.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, could my noble friend answer my last two points concerning the new capital and the mental hospital?

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, I very much regret that I could not without notice; but I will write to the noble Baroness.