HL Deb 16 February 1981 vol 417 cc481-2

2.48 p.m.

Lord Brockway

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 they will make a statement on the situation in the New Hebrides, the former condominium of the United Kingdom and France in the Pacific, particularly on the reported refusal by France to implement the £3.5 million post-independence agreement; and what action the Government have taken in conjunction with Australia to enable education and other public services to he maintained.

The Earl of Avon

The question of French aid is a matter for the Governments of France and Vanuatu. However, despite the fact that the French Ambassador to Vanuatu has been declared persona non grata, I understand that the Franco/Vanuatu aid proposals have neither been withdrawn nor rejected. The question of co-operation with Australia for the purposes mentioned by the noble Lord does not therefore arise at this stage.

Lord Brockway

My Lords, while I thank the Minister for that reply, may I ask him this question: since the New Hebrides were a condominium under British and French control, were we not mutually parties to the agreement which brought it independence? Can he confirm that in Paris last week the French denied signing the agreement, and is it not the case that the loss of £3½ million has disrupted education, closing schools until next week? In view of that situation will the British Government, with Australia, give some aid?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, this is a delicate matter and I do not particularly wish to be drawn into these issues at the present time. The French officials arrived in Vanuatu only last Saturday, and as I said in my opening reply the question of co-operation at the moment is still on the table.

Lord Goronwy-Roberts

My Lords, while appreciating the particular difficulty which persists in a former condominium dependency like the New Hebrides, and also appreciating that the British Government are proceeding with their own part of the aid programme, will the Minister accept that in all parts of the House there is concern that the new Government of the New Hebrides, which inherits quite exceptional difficulties arising from the circumstances described by my noble friend, should receive every possible help it can get? When he refers to our not being in consultation and co-operation with the Australian Government at this stage—a statement I quite understand—may I take it that he will, however, keep very much in mind that it is essential that the Australian Government be drawn into this matter as soon as ever possible?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, I am very grateful to the noble Lord for the tenor of his remarks and his wise advice. I think I can say that Her Majesty's Government fully appreciate everything he has said and are on course with what he says.

Lord Brockway

My Lords, because of the delicate situation I will not put the supplementary question I had planned, but may I ask the noble Earl this: Is there anything in the agreement which gives the French the right to revoke it on the ground of the support which has been given to the independence movement in New Caledonia?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, as I understand the noble Lord's Question, it is about a £3.5 million post-independence agreement. At the moment that agreement has not been signed by either party and still lies on the table. That is why at the moment it is a very delicate situation to comment on from London.

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