§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has about constitutional changes and economic aid in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Miss Joan LestorLord Oxford and Asquith, as Constitutional Commissioner for the Turks and Caicos Islands, submitted a report in February 1974 recommending constitutional change. The main proposal was the replacement of the present State Council, which combines legislative and executive rôles, by an enlarged legislative assembly and an executive council chosen from the legislative assembly. Discussions are continuing between the Governor and the State Council and the further action which will be taken depends on their outcome.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are heavily dependent on United Kingdom economic help for both budgetary and development aid. The United Kingdom's responsibilities in this case, as in the case of all dependent territories, continue to be given special weight in aid allocations. Budgetary aid for the period 1st January 1971 to 31st December 1974 will amount to some £2 million. The planning commitment for the five-year period to the end of 1975 is £2.5 million.