§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present situation in the New Hebrides and the result of the negotiations with the political parties and the French Government on moves to independence.
§ Mr. LuardFollowing a boycott by one of the principal political parties, uncontested elections took place in the New Hebrides on 29th November. We and the French are continuing to appeal to the political parties to work together to set up the necessary institutions for a viable and independent State, in accordance with out joint decision to bring the territory to independence, if the people so decide in a referendum, in 1980.