HC Deb 09 June 1975 vol 893 c25W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the constitutional future of the Solomon Islands.

Miss Joan Lestor

I held discussions last month with the Chief Minister of the Solomon Islands and other members of the Legislative Assembly. It was agreed that internal self-government should be introduced if possible by 1st November 1975, but at any rate not later than the end of the year, on the understanding that, subject to the approval of Parliament, independence should follow within 12 to 18 months.