§ Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to begin constitutional talks about the independence of the Gilbert Islands.
§ Mr. LuardAs I explained in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hands-worth (Mr. Lee) on 27th June, it has been agreed that a constitutional conference on independence for the Gilbert Islands will be preceded by a General Election in the colony. Under the present constitution, a general election must be held not later than 13th August 1978.