§ 15. Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on his recent discus- 90W sions with the French Government about the Anglo-French Condominium of the New Hebrides.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe New Hebrides is jointly administered by Britain and France under a Protocol of 1914. Although relations between the British and French administrators in the territory are very friendly, it has become increasingly clear that, if the progress of the territory is not to be impeded, several aspects of the arrangements for its internal administration need revision and bringing up to date. On 2nd July I went to Paris to discuss with M. Louis Jacquinot, the Minister responsible for New Hebrides affairs, how our two Governments could best tackle these problems.
The talks took place in a friendly and co-operative spirit and we have drawn up a list of specific subjects for further detailed joint examination, both locally and at the metropolitan level. They include such important subjects as labour legislation, land tenure, and the co-ordination of French and British development plans in the Condominium. It was also agreed that regular meetings at official level should be held.
I hope that these studies will result in practical measures of reform which will further the progress of the territory.