§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has had on the proposal to terminate the status of association with St. Christopher and Nevis since the constitutional conference in December 1982; and how many were in favour of the proposed arrangement.
§ Mr. Cranley OnslowSince the constitutional conference held in December 1982, five right hon. or hon. Members, one right hon. and noble Lord, and four members of the public have written about the proposal to terminate the status of association of St. Kitts-Nevis and related issues. None expressed themselves as specifically in favour of the proposal but, on the other hand, some wrote only to make an inquiry on a point of fact and did not indicate opposition to the principle of independence for the state.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will deposit in the Library the constitution for St. Christopher and Nevis as passed by the assembly of that country; and if he will identify changes in it which occurred (a) during the constitutional conference held in London in December 1982 and (b) made subsequent to that conference.
§ Mr. OnslowI am placing a copy of the resolution passed in the St. Kitts-Nevis House of Assembly on 16 March in the Library with a copy of the draft constitution annexed thereto.
The conclusions of the constitutional conference held in London in December 1982 were published in a White Paper—Cmnd. 8796—in January 1983, which is also available in the Library.
The draft constitution approved by the House of Assembly of St. Kitts-Nevis on 16 March reflects the conclusions of the London conference. The two points contained in paragraphs 11(b) and 18 respectively of the White Paper were met by the Government of St. Kitts-Nevis and the draft constitution provides accordingly.
The draft constitution will in due course be submitted to Her Majesty in Council for enactment under section 5(4) of the West Indies Act 1967. The Order in Council will be available in the Library.
The House is to debate the termination of association order on 5 May.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will deposit in the Library full details of the debate in the St. Christopher and Nevis assembly regarding the constitution for termination of association.
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§ Mr. OnslowThis is not possible since the House of Assembly of St. Kitts-Nevis does not produce a written record of its proceedings which are broadcast live by radio whenever the House sits.