§ 39. Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the operation of the agreement between the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and the Council of Leaders of the Banaban Community of 23rd May 1973 for the mining of further land on Ocean Island; what is the total revenue so far disbursed to the Banabans; how much is currently owed to them under the provisions of this agreement but not yet paid; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe 1973 Agreement has been amended by a Supplementary Agreement signed by all the parties on 16th July. I have placed a copy in the Library of the House.
Revenues disbursed to the Banabans at 30th June 1976 amounted to approximately Australian dollars 1,596,000. A further sum of approximately Australian dollars 1,400,000, due under the original arrangements to be paid during the final year of mining, will now be paid earlier at a rate agreed between the Banabans and the Gilbert Islands Government.