HC Deb 19 May 1969 vol 784 cc21-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent proposals he has received from the Anguillan leader Mr. Ronald Webster for home rule for Anguilla; and whether Her Majesty's Government will now seek to arrange this method of resolving the problem.

Mr. Whitlock

Mr. Webster has sent my right hon. Friend proposals for the future of Anguilla which include what he terms "constitutional entrenchment of Home Rule". As my right hon. Friend said in the House on 23rd April, it would be unwise at this stage to be dogmatic about the future of the island. Both time and consultation are needed.—[Vol. 782, c. 497.]

Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the names of the house owners in Anguilla who were intimidated because of their opposition to the developments in the island and whose houses were burned down; how many houses were so burned down; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitlock

Certain people in Anguilla who were opposed to the developments in the island were subjected to threats that their houses would be burned down. These threats, which were not carried out, could not be ignored in view of the burning of other houses previously, including that of the British doctor. The details of this case were given in my replies to the hon. Member on 1st and 8th May. It would not be in the interest of the persons concerned to give their names.—[Vol. 782, c. 270: Vol. 783, c. 129.]