§ 36. Miss Boothroydasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now give the most likely date for the granting of independence to St. Lucia.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe British Government are considering whether to recommend to Parliament the termination by Order in Council of St. Lucia's status of association with the United Kingdom. If they decide to do so, they will consider with the St. Lucia Government, in the light of the time required for the necessary legislative procedures, what date should be proposed for independence.
§ 50. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of St. Lucia about independence for the island.
§ Mr. RowlandsFollowing an initial approach by the St. Lucia Government in 1975 and a series of discussions with both parties since then, a constitutional conference attended by Government and opposition delegations from St. Lucia was held in July 1978. The Government are now considering their response to the resolution passed by the St. Lucia House of Assembly on 24th October requesting the termination by Order in Council of St. Lucia's status of association with the United Kingdom.
§ 53. Mr. Bidwellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the progress towards the independence of St. Lucia, West Indies; what representations he has received from within the island criticising the present situation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RowlandsThe British Government are considering their response to the resolution passed without a division by the St. Lucia House of Assembly on618W 24th October requesting the termination of St. Lucia's status of association with the United Kingdom. A letter has been received from the leader of the St. Lucia Opposition: it will be taken into account in the Government's consideration of this matter.