HL Deb 13 June 1980 vol 410 cc815-6WA
Baroness JEGER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make a statement on the outcome of the recent talks in Bermuda about the future of Belize.

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (Lord Carrington)

A British team, led by my honourable friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Ridley), two Belizean Cabinet Ministers, met a Guatemalan team, led by their Foreign Minister, in Bermuda on 19th—20th May to reopen negotiations over the future of Belize. No decisions were taken but it was a useful first contact between the two Governments in a cordial atmosphere. Further meetings are expected shortly. Our aim remains to clear the way for a secure independence for Belize as soon as possible.