§ Mr. Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Banabans, the land owners of Ocean Island, are not represented at the talks going on in Canberra between Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony representatives and British Phosphate Commissioners regarding the future allocation of the phosphate royalties from Ocean Island.
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§ Mr. GreenwoodNo such talks are going on in Canberra. Talks were held in Canberra in May, 1965 to consider among other matters proposals for an increase in the rate per ton to be paid to the Government of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony on phosphates exported from Ocean Island, but as yet no changes in the existing arrangements have been agreed. These proposals were related primarily to the needs of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. Further negotiations about the future arrangements for the operation of the Ocean Island phosphates industry are expected to take place next year and the interest of the Banabans will be fully taken into account in these negotiations. An Official from the Colonial Office is at the moment in the Pacific for discussions with the Banabans and the Advisory Council of the G.E.I.C.