§ Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any further steps have been taken to explore the possibilities of the islanders of Tristan da Cunha returning to their homes; and if he will make a statement on their future position.
§ Mr. SandysThe islanders are now housed at Calshot on Southampton Water and have found employment. Apart from the risk of another eruption and the difficulty of maintaining a reasonable standard of life and services on the island, the lava flow has made it much more difficult to land on it or leave it. Therefore in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government the best course is for them to remain in this country. The islanders were informed at the end of May that Her Majesty's Government could not take the responsibility of arranging for them to return this season. It is hoped to arrange for another inspection of the island in the autumn.