HC Deb 29 January 1975 vol 885 cc162-3W
30. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress of constitutional developments in the New Hebrides.

Miss Joan Lestor

Work is proceeding in the New Hebrides on draft legislation to establish a Representative Assembly, and local government bodies. Work on elections is also in hand. It is hoped that the first local government bodies will be elected in May, and the Representative Assembly before the end of 1975.

31. Mr. Paul Dean

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further contacts he has had with the French Government about the future of the New Hebrides.

Miss Joan Lestor

I visited the New Hebrides from 19th to 22nd January, at the same time as the French State Secretary for the Overseas Departments and Territories. This visit gave us a welcome opportunity jointly to review progress so far made in putting into effect the measures we had agreed in London last November.