§ Mr. Rowlandsasked the Lord Privy Seal what consultations he has held with the New Zealand and Australian Governments concerning the full payment of 127W interest after 31 December on the sums agreed to be paid to the Banaban community; and what has been the result of these consultations.
§ Mr. LuceMy hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker), has had discussions on the payment of interest with both the Australian and New Zealand Governments.
It is unlikely that the matter can be resolved with these Governments until the formalities for Banaban acceptance of the A$10 million offer have been settled with the Rabi Council of Leaders.