§ Mr. Carterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest position in the dispute concerning Ocean Island, its inhabitants and natural resources.
§ Miss Joan LestorIf my hon. Friend is referring to the actions brought against Her Majesty's Government and the British Phosphate Commissioners by the original inhabitants of Ocean Island, the Banabans, in the High Court in November 1971, I am precluded from making a statement as this matter issub judice. If the reference is to a petition recently submitted by the Banabans regarding the 539W future of Ocean Island, I am awaiting the advice of the Governor of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony which he will submit after he has consulted the newly constituted Council of Ministers.