HC Deb 20 January 1969 vol 776 cc25-7W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of his talks with Mr. Dermot Murphy, Governor of St. Helena, and four other leading citizens of the territory.

Mr. Whitlock

The talks with the Governor and representatives of the Islanders were concluded on 23rd December and the delegation returned to St. Helena the following day. A scheme was worked out during the talks to which representatives of the South Atlantic Trading and Investment Company Limited indicated their agreement. Since the return of the delegation the scheme has been discussed in St. Helena and fully accepted. A press release was issued on 10th January and a copy has been sent to my hon. Friend. Copies have also been placed in the Library of the House. Arrangements for the conclusion of a formal agreement embodying the agreed proposals are now in train.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guarantees he has been given that a system of apartheid will not be introduced in St. Helena.

Mr. Whitlock

In the course of the discussions with the St. Helena delegation held in London during December, the Managing Director of the South Atlantic Trading and Investment Company Limited furnished certain assurances as to the policy and practices that his Company intended to pursue in St. Helena, including an assurance regarding racial discrimination. These assurances are regarded as fully satisfactory by the St. Helena Government and by my right hon. Friend. Any form of racial discrimination would in any case be contrary to the policy of both Her Majesty's Government and the St. Helena Government.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for a referendum to be held in St. Helena.

Mr. Whitlock

None.

Mr. Whitaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has now received from inhabitants of St. Helena about the impending sale of Solomon's Limited to South African control; and what safeguards they have been given that no element of apartheid will be permitted in St. Helena.

Mr. Whitlock

I would refer my hon. Friend to my replies to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) today.