§ 95. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present constitutional development of the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. WhitlockUnder the present constitution—which was introduced in 1964—there are unofficial majorities in both the Legislative and the Executive Councils. The Governor considers that this constitution is working well; there has been no demand for a change.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of Stat efor Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how wage rates and conditions of work for shepherds in the Falkland Islands compare with those in other countries in the same latitude with similar rural economies, from information available to him from international sources.
§ Mr. WhitlockWage rates of shepherds and other farm workers in 1967 in the Falkland Islands were £32 8s. a month plus a bonus of 12½ per cent. of the basic monthly wage for every penny by which the average wool price during 1966 exceeded 45d. per lb. There are also increments for long service and passage entitlements to the United Kingdom. In addition, shepherds and farm workers receive free housing, meat, milk and fuel.
According to the economic survey of the Falkland Islands made in 1967 from which these figures are drawn the general trend of wages and conditions of employment has not differed much from those in the United Kingdom. (Copies of the survey are in the Library of the House).
The comparisons the hon. Member asked for are complex and need time to consider and I will write to him in due course.