§ Lord BRIMELOWasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make a Statement on the introduction of internal self-government in the Gilbert Islands and whether they will state what effect this will have on the rights of the Banaban community in relation to Ocean Island and on the Banaban petition for the separation of Ocean Island from the Gilbert Islands.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSAn Order in Council introducing internal self-government in the Gilbert Islands on 1st January 1977 was made on 27th October. The order contains provisions to safeguard fully the existing rights of the Banabans in relation to Ocean Island. It will in no way prejudice a decision on the Banaban petition for the separation of Ocean Island from the Gilbert Islands.